Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair tests has been recognized as a robust method for identifying substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol. Hair naturally records a long-term history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. Procuring samples near the scalp can yield a detection timeline of roughly three months for substance use. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and shipping is convenient.
An optimal sampling involves 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp, providing 100mg, which suits both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing beyond ten panels, collecting 150mg is preferable. Use a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not present, a corresponding amount of body hair serves as an alternative. By "head hair," we mean solely scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test result cycle in a lab encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is entered into the lab’s workflow. This step assures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs supplementary data entry, especially when an electronic chain of custody system isn’t utilized.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for illicit substances. This economically beneficial approach is efficient for ruling out drug presence in most samples; however, samples with positive screenings necessitate further confirmation to be legally binding. Samples indicating potential positives in Screening must undergo secondary affirmation.
With presumptive positives flagged during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, substances are drawn from hair at markedly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as using urine or oral fluid), highlighting the intricacy and challenge of performing hair drug tests.
Confirmations of positive screening outcomes are executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Samples marked as presumptive positives are routinely cleansed preceding confirmation. Throughout the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, the procedures adhere to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair mandates and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the actual focus is the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stillwater, OH. When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine methods, the former stands out for its unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. With a broader detection window, hair testing ensures comprehensive insights that surpass the capabilities of urine tests, proving to be a superior choice for screening.
Extended Detection Window in Stillwater, OH. Hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history. This longer detection period is invaluable for making informed decisions about hiring or maintaining employees, offering a clear view of their behavioral patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stillwater, OH. The hair follicle drug test significantly reduces the chances of sample tampering or adulteration. This resistance to manipulation offers reliable results that can be trusted, ensuring that the testing process remains credible and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stillwater, OH. Experience the ease and efficiency of our widespread testing centers. With a presence in numerous locations, accessing our services is a breeze, providing a seamless and hassle-free testing experience whenever and wherever you need it.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stillwater, OH. Our streamlined and discreet process makes ordering, administering, and receiving results an effortless task. We prioritize your privacy at every step, ensuring a smooth experience while addressing confidentiality concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stillwater, OH. Our cost-effective pricing models, combined with quick turnaround times, offer exceptional value, making us an ideal choice for businesses of all scales. Companies can benefit from our services without breaking their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stillwater, OH. Hair follicle drug testing provides speedy and highly accurate results. Their effectiveness in detecting substance use makes them the preferred choice for organizations seeking precision in their evaluations. You can rely on the reliability of hair tests to deliver dependable outcomes consistently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stillwater, OH. Leveraging hair follicle testing enhances compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they’re upholding the highest standards in drug-free policy enforcement.
