Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extensive record of alcohol and drug presence by encapsulating biomarkers within its strands. When collected near the scalp, hair testing can reveal substance use over a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advised. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equal amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in processing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample integration into the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample's seal and shipment are intact, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Although it is a cost-efficient means of ruling out drug use for the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test potentially positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test potentially positive undergo a washing process before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is inspected in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs in Lowellville, OH
In comparison to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Lowellville, OH, offers superior detection and credibility. Hair tests present an extended detection timeline and are more resistant to tampering, delivering reliable results and a clearer insight into an individual's substance usage.
Prolonged Detection Window in Lowellville, OH
Employers in Lowellville can benefit from hair testing due to its ability to identify drug use spanning up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers a detailed overview of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, facilitating better-informed decisions.
Securing Sample Integrity in Lowellville, OH
Hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method to monitor drug use in Lowellville, OH. The rigorous procedure limits the possibility of sample manipulation, ensuring results that are both reliable and uncontestable, safeguarding the testing process integrity.
Convenient Testing Locations in Lowellville, OH
Our widespread network of testing centers, including those in Lowellville, OH, offers unparalleled ease and accessibility. Whether nationwide or local, our services are designed to provide prompt, seamless access to critical testing procedures.
Effortless and Confidential in Lowellville, OH
Our process ensures simplicity and privacy in Lowellville, OH. From scheduling your test to collecting samples and receiving results, our method addresses privacy concerns while delivering an easy and discreet experience throughout.
Competitive Pricing in Lowellville, OH
Offering economical pricing and swift result turnaround, our services in Lowellville guarantee excellent value for businesses of any size. This balance of affordability and promptness reinforces our commitment to client satisfaction and efficiency.
Rapid and Dependable Results in Lowellville, OH
Hair follicle tests in Lowellville, OH, provide fast and reliable outcomes, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use. Their speed and precision make them an effective tool in substance testing, offering results that clients and organizations can trust.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Lowellville, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in Lowellville maintain adherence to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal vulnerabilities and boosting safety. This method supports a secure, regulated work environment, delivering peace of mind through compliance.
