Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This encompasses verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a markedly lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
The confirmation of a positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review in line with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Glouster, OH revolves around its superior detection capabilities. Hair testing provides a broader detection range, uncovering substance use history more extensively than traditional urine tests. Its accuracy is enhanced by capturing illicit substance use over longer periods, ensuring a reliable evaluation of an individual's drug use behavior, aligning with stringent testing requirements.
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window in Glouster, OH considerably surpasses that of urine tests. Capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days, it provides employers with a clearer picture of a candidate's long-term substance habits. This prolonged detection period ensures judgments are based on comprehensive substance use patterns instead of short-term behavior, aiding in informed decision-making.
The hair follicle drug test is a tamper-resistant solution in Glouster, OH, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike other methods, hair testing's collection and analysis process are resistant to adulteration attempts, ensuring the integrity of test results. This strong resistance to tampering offers employers confidence in the authenticity of the findings, safeguarding against deceptive practices.
Our convenient nationwide testing locations in Glouster, OH ensure easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Accredited Drug Testing facilities are strategically situated to offer local and regional testing solutions, delivering prompt service and reducing wait times. Employers and individuals benefit from the simplicity and speed achieved through our widespread network of testing centers.
The simple, confidential process in Glouster, OH ensures smooth handling of hair follicle drug tests from ordering to receiving results. Easy-to-follow procedures protect privacy, making the testing experience straightforward and stress-free. This emphasis on confidentiality and efficiency addresses concerns, making it ideal for both employers and individuals seeking a discreet testing approach.
In Glouster, OH, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive cost structure ensures great value without sacrificing accuracy or speed. Within our quick turnaround time, companies of all sizes can access reliable testing, ensuring peace of mind and efficient management of drug screening programs.
In Glouster, OH, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike other methods, hair testing efficiently detects various substances with unmatched precision, ensuring comprehensive screening. Results are delivered promptly, maintaining high accuracy and minimizing errors, making them a preferred choice for organizations demanding swift and reliable testing outcomes.
Hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers in Glouster, OH. It supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal and safety risks. Employers can rely on its capacity to align with regulations, ensuring a secure and drug-free work environment, mitigating liabilities, and fostering a trustworthy organizational culture.