Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lengthy record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both initial screening and follow-up testing. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair signifies all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening need a secondary verification.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Kipton, OH, stands out over traditional urine testing, owing to its superior accuracy and detection reliability.
While urine tests typically identify recent drug use, hair tests cover prolonged usage patterns, giving a detailed drug history.
The accuracy of hair testing in tracing a variety of substances makes it a preferred choice for organizations and individuals seeking comprehensive results.
Hair follicle testing in Kipton, OH extends its detection window to encompass up to 90 days of drug use.
This comprehensive timeline enables employers a thorough overview of an individual’s substance use, far surpassing the narrower window provided by urine tests.
The extended detection duration assists organizations in making informed hiring and monitoring decisions based on applicants' or employees' substance history.
One of the considerable advantages of hair follicle testing in Kipton, OH is its resistance to tampering and sample adulteration.
Unlike urine tests, the hair test procedure circumvents many common cheating methods, ensuring authenticity and reliability of results.
This integrity in testing provides employers with trustworthy data, crucial for maintaining safe and drug-free environments.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing solutions with centers located nationwide, including Kipton, OH.
This widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers have easy access to efficient testing services, minimizing inconvenience.
Local centers offer timely service and support, making the process of drug testing hassle-free and readily accessible for all clients.
In Kipton, OH, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, allaying concerns regarding privacy.
The ordering, testing, and result retrieval procedures are streamlined for user convenience, assuring discretion at every stage.
This focus on simplicity and confidentiality ensures that clients can easily and comfortably navigate through the testing process.
Competitive pricing structures in Kipton, OH offer businesses cost-effective drug testing solutions without compromising quality and integrity.
Accredited Drug Testing assures quick turnaround times, illustrating value for organizations of all sizes.
Affordable pricing, combined with speedy service delivery, makes hair follicle testing an economically attractive choice for companies keen on efficient resource management.
The hair follicle drug testing procedure is notable for its swift and precise results, highly accurate in detecting substance use in Kipton, OH.
Employers and individuals can rely on rapid turnaround times, leveraging technology that ensures detailed detection and reliability, providing peace of mind.
This method significantly reduces result waiting periods, delivering timely information crucial for decision-making processes.
Employers in Kipton, OH, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing by maintaining adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
This method aids in mitigating legal risks associated with drug use in professional settings, promoting secure working conditions.
By opting for rigorous testing, employers bolster confidence in employee performance and compliance, consequently ensuring safety and productivity in the workplace.