Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Maple Ridge, OH

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to ship.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, we mean only the scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The main stages in processing a drug test outcome in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into the lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that the electronic chain of custody did not provide.

Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Screening serves as a cost-effective approach to rule out drug use for most samples, but a positive result demands confirmation to be valid in court. Any sample showing a presumptive positive in Screening requires further confirmation.

In instances where a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is checked under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistant to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is quite arduous, thus increasing the reliability of the results.
• Offers historical insight: It provides a record of drug use over time, instead of only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become noticeable.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Maple Ridge, OH

When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers substantial advantages in Maple Ridge. Hair tests capture a longer period of substance use, providing employers with a more thorough overview of an individual's history. This method offers unmatched detection accuracy, while urine tests are limited in scope to recent usage.

With hair testing, reliability is enhanced, making it a preferred choice for those with zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Longer Detection Period Available in Maple Ridge, OH

Hair follicle testing boasts the ability to identify drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. In Maple Ridge, this comprehensive testing method enables employers and authorities to gain a full perspective of an individual's substance use history, rather than just recent activities.

Unlike shorter-term methods like urine tests, hair testing provides a far-reaching analysis beneficial for long-term evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Resistant to Tampering Hair Tests in Maple Ridge, OH

Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and uncontestable. In Maple Ridge, this testing method stands out for its integrity, as it offers an observable collection process which is difficult to manipulate.

This degree of security in sample collection reduces the chances of swapping or tampering, guaranteeing the credibility of tests conducted.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Center Options in Maple Ridge, OH

With accessible testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease and convenience for applicants and employers in Maple Ridge. The widespread availability ensures hassle-free access to testing services, without the need to travel far.

This network of testing locations makes drug testing a simple and stress-free process, enhancing overall service efficiency and satisfaction.

Simple, Confidential Process

Seamless, Private Testing Process in Maple Ridge, OH

Acquiring drug testing in Maple Ridge has been made straightforward and confidential by Accredited Drug Testing. The process from ordering to receiving results is designed with privacy in mind, ensuring clients feel secure and protected throughout.

With user-friendly procedures, individuals can engage with testing easily, knowing their information is handled with utmost confidentiality and respect.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Budget-Friendly Testing in Maple Ridge, OH

Affordable hair follicle tests in Maple Ridge offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes. With competitive pricing, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that cost does not become a barrier to maintaining a drug-free environment.

The fast turnaround in test results complements the pricing, providing high-quality, volume-scalable testing solutions which support corporate needs efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Reliable, Prompt Results in Maple Ridge, OH

Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise detection of substance use, providing results that are both accurate and timely. Unlike other methods, the hair testing process in Maple Ridge is streamlined to ensure that individuals and employers receive the information they need promptly, aiding in swift decision-making.

The precision of hair testing is unparalleled, reducing the risk of false negatives or positives and offering peace of mind to all parties involved.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety in the Workplace in Maple Ridge, OH

Hair testing aids in upholding workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies, vital for employers in Maple Ridge. This testing method, by extending the detection window, helps in reducing legal risks faced by employers.

Employers can maintain peace of mind, knowing that their workforce is held to the highest standard of safety and accountability, supported by reliable testing practices.

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