Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record keeper of alcohol and substance use, capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. It's easy to acquire, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) gathered from closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair—the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. It’s advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing for drug test results consists of four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to stand in court. Any samples found presumptively positive in Screening demand secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive indication in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Drugs are then isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirming a positive screen result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair authority and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In South Perry, OH, hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over urine tests. With its ability to detect long-term drug use, it provides a fuller picture of an individual's substance history. Unlike traditional urine tests, the accuracy and reliability of hair testing prevent common pitfalls associated with short detection windows and tampering.
Extended Detection Window
Employers in South Perry, OH benefit from the hair follicle test's 90-day detection window, allowing for a thorough examination of an individual's drug use history. This extended timeline offers employers crucial insights into a potential hire's or employee's past, supporting more informed personnel decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration, a pressing concern with other testing methods. In South Perry, OH, the secure and tamper-resistant nature of hair testing provides employers and legal authorities with results they can trust unequivocally, enhancing the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our testing centers, located nationwide and in South Perry, OH, make accessing testing services straightforward. Our widespread presence ensures prompt, efficient testing experiences, eliminating potential hurdles and catering to a diverse range of clients across the country.
Simple, Confidential Process
With our hair follicle testing in South Perry, OH, the process from ordering to receiving results is straightforward and discreet. We prioritize privacy, making the entire experience hassle-free while maintaining confidentiality at every step, addressing any concerns over personal privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In South Perry, OH, we offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our services deliver excellent value, tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, ensuring rapid results and peace of mind at a cost-effective rate.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In South Perry, OH, hair follicle testing is renowned for its precision in substance detection. The rapid and reliable results make it an indispensable tool for employers aiming to ensure a drug-free workplace. This test's high accuracy in capturing historical drug use enables companies to make informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Implementing hair follicle testing in South Perry, OH, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. This robust testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, ensuring peace of mind and a secure environment for staff and management alike.
