Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying substance use of drugs and alcohol. It captures biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month timespan for detecting substances like alcohol and other drugs. The sampling process is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (or the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, provides 100mg, deemed optimal for initial screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or underarm).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where the sample is entered into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry needed if not available from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial assessment for substance presence. Although cost-efficient for ruling out drugs in most samples, positive screen results necessitate confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are potentially positive in Screening undergo further review.
If the Screening suggests possible positivity, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are derived from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (such as urine or saliva), contributing to the complexities of hair drug testing techniques.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is carried out using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under guidelines like CAP (College of American Pathologists) and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although they are sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the testing process targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, OH provides a distinct advantage over traditional urine testing methods. Enhanced detection capabilities of hair tests allow for the identification of a broader range of substances over an extended timeframe. In contrast, urine tests may miss recent or infrequent usage. Hair testing offers more confidence in the results, critical for employers and legal applications needing assurance of accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, OH offers an extended detection period, making it a superior choice for understanding long-term drug use. Up to 90 days of usage can be detected, granting employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance consumption habits. This capability is invaluable for making informed hiring or employee assessment decisions.
Reducing the risk of sample tampering is a significant benefit of hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, OH. Hair tests are inherently tamper-resistant, unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated. This reliability provides peace of mind for those looking for uncontestable results. You can trust hair testing to offer genuine and untampered outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience through its network of national and local testing centers in Oak Hill, OH. Ease of access to testing facilities ensures prompt and straightforward service availability. This widespread presence allows individuals and employers to utilize testing services without the hassle of extensive travel, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
The process of ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Oak Hill, OH is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Assurance of privacy is a cornerstone of our testing service, addressing any concerns you might have. The entire procedure is streamlined to ensure ease of use, catering to both individual and corporate needs.
Providing competitive pricing and rapid results, hair follicle testing in Oak Hill, OH offers remarkable value for companies of any size. Affordable pricing models coupled with fast turnaround times establish a balance of cost-efficiency and high-quality service. This approach provides considerable benefits, granting peace of mind with a focus on budget-friendly options.
The hair follicle drug test in Oak Hill, OH is renowned for delivering precise and swift outcomes. Hair follicle testing stands out for accurately identifying substance use with a meticulous analysis process. Its precision has made it a preferred choice for individuals seeking reliable testing solutions. By investing in hair testing, you ensure a dependable verification of substance history.
Employers in Oak Hill, OH find hair follicle testing conducive to maintaining workplace compliance with drug-free policies. Utilizing hair tests ensures adherence to safety regulations, reducing potential legal risks. This testing method not only fosters a safer work environment but also offers assurance to employers about policy compliance.
