Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Macksburg, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has become recognized as a powerful method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to adulterate, and simple to ship.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is preferred. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair implies all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes validating that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be acceptable in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require secondary confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation against ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can trace drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which feature a shorter detection span.
• Hard to cheat: Cheating on a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical data: It can show a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot determine recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle under the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing provides several advantages over traditional urine tests in Macksburg, OH.

• Superior detection accuracy captures a wider window of drug use.
• Hair tests offer more reliable and consistent results.
• The method reduces the chances of test tampering, often an issue with urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

In Macksburg, OH, hair follicle testing offers a long-lasting detection period for substance use.

• The window extends up to 90 days, much longer than other tests.
• Employers gain a comprehensive outlook on an individual's substance history.
• This extended window aids in assessing long-term patterns, not just recent use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests boast a tamper-resistant nature, making them highly reliable in Macksburg, OH.

• Reduced risk of altering samples ensures authenticity.
• The method provides trustworthy and undisputed results.
• Confidence in results helps maintain integrity in testing processes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Testing in Macksburg, OH is made simple with convenient locations nationwide.

• Our testing centers are quickly accessible, ensuring minimal disruption.
• Local facilities provide ease in coordinating necessary tests.
• Nationwide presence guarantees consistent service wherever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

Ensuring a straightforward and private testing process is vital in Macksburg, OH.

• The process is user-friendly from order to result delivery.
• Privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring confidentiality at all stages.
• Efficient procedures ensure clarity and ease for all parties involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Macksburg, OH, offer competitive pricing with a focus on value.

• Affordable rates broadly accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Quick turnaround times ensure prompt results, boosting satisfaction.
• Cost-effective options are designed to provide peace of mind without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and velocity of hair follicle drug tests in Macksburg, OH, are truly impressive. Accuracy is key, with these tests effectively detecting substance use.

• Fast processing times ensure results are available quickly.
• The high accuracy leaves no room for doubt, enhancing trust in the results.
• Swift results aid in timely decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Macksburg, OH, find compliance easier with hair follicle testing.

• Using such methods ensures alignment with drug-free policies.
• It mitigates legal risks associated with workplace policy breaches.
• Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their safety standards are upheld.

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