Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, hair offers a substantial long-term record of drug and alcohol presence. Collected close to the scalp, hair can usually provide a detection window of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to obtain, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing when a sample enters a lab's system. It encompasses ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court admissible. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why do hair follicle tests outshine urine tests in Coshocton, OH? The benefits of hair testing include enhanced detection reliability and accuracy. Traditional urine tests cannot compete with the extended detection periods and tamper-resistant qualities of hair analysis. In contexts requiring stringent testing accuracy, hair tests stand superior.
Coshocton, OH, sees the advantage of hair testing's extended detection window. Employers gain insight into an individual's substance use history spanning up to 90 days. Hair follicle tests provide a thorough assessment of long-term drug habits, offering a fuller picture than shorter-span tests.
In Coshocton, OH, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant solution. Its method of collection and analysis greatly minimizes the chances of sample manipulation. These tests deliver reliable and unquestionable results, forming a critical component in the integrity of the substance screening process.
Convenience is key in Coshocton, OH, with our nationwide hair testing centers. Clients can easily access quick and hassle-free testing services locally. Our widespread network ensures that no matter the location, obtaining a test is convenient and efficient, adding to the overall testing experience.
The process for hair follicle testing in Coshocton, OH, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, everything is designed with privacy and ease in mind. This straightforward procedure ensures that individuals can undertake the test comfortably without concerns for security breaches or complexity.
Coshocton, OH, offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround for hair follicle tests. Businesses of all sizes benefit from our competitive pricing structure, reinforcing value and peace of mind. Speedy results mean that decisions can be made quickly, further enhancing their overall appeal.
In Coshocton, OH, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and accurate results that are difficult to match. The precision in hair testing captures substance use with a high degree of detection accuracy. Employers and individuals relying on these tests can expect clear and reliable outcomes, facilitating faster decision-making processes.
Employers in Coshocton, OH, benefit from hair follicle testing's ability to uphold drug-free workplace policies. It ensures compliance, reduces legal exposure, and supports a safer work environment. This method provides peace of mind with its thorough accuracy and longstanding detection periods, aiding in creating a secure workplace.
