Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method to identify substance use, capturing alcohol and drug traces within the structure of the hair shaft. By sampling hair near the scalp, a detection window of up to three months can be achieved. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is uncomplicated.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is optimal, yielding 100mg for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accuracy. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair solely, while "body hair" covers all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
Key stages in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates initial sample integration into a lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any outstanding data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an expedited preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although a cost-effective method to exclude substance use in most samples, any positive result from Screening must be substantiated for legal validity. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate further affirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial batch is used for Extraction, where drugs are isolated at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis more complex.
Positive Screening outcomes are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review by CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the testing focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle under the skin.
In New Vienna, OH, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine screenings, offering superior detection and reliability. Unlike urine tests, they provide a longer detection window and are resistant to sample tampering.
In New Vienna, OH, hair testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive approach allows employers to understand the long-term substance history of applicants or employees.
Hair follicle testing in New Vienna, OH, is a tamper-resistant method, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This makes it a reliable source for unquestionable drug testing results.
With widespread centers in New Vienna, OH, and nationwide, testing services are quick and conveniently accessible, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
The straightforward and confidential process for drug testing in New Vienna, OH, assures privacy while simplifying ordering, testing, and result retrieval.
In New Vienna, OH, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for drug tests offer excellent value and peace of mind for organizations of all sizes.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in New Vienna, OH, are unparalleled. With their high accuracy rate, these tests efficiently determine substance usage, delivering fast and reliable results crucial for various settings.
For New Vienna, OH employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and improving safety standards.