Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy historical record of substances, as it captures biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken closely from the scalp, hair can present up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp is needed to obtain 100mg of hair, which is considered the ideal sample for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional services, and tests exceeding 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. By head hair, we mean specifically scalp hair. The term body hair pertains to all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result can be divided into four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizing any additional data entry lacking in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective to potentially disprove drug use for most samples, any positive screen must be corroborated to be admissible as evidence. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening step, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation during Extraction. In this stage, drugs are drawn out from hair at a concentration much lower than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring that hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing a presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Altus, OK
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests cover a longer period, providing a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This enhanced accuracy and reliability meet the demands of employers and agencies requiring stringent drug use assessments.
Comprehensive Detection Over Extended Periods in Altus, OK
The hair follicle drug test's ability to identify substance use up to 90 days prior offers employers a broad view of an employee's or candidate's history. This extended detection window assists organizations in the thorough evaluation of potential hires, ensuring a reliable understanding of long-term substance use patterns.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Altus, OK
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of tampered samples, providing results that are both credible and robust. Its design to be tamper-proof ensures that the integrity of the testing process is maintained. These tests are conducted under careful observation, leaving little room for manipulation, making them a trustworthy method for drug screening.
Convenience of Nationwide and Local Testing Centers in Altus, OK
With testing centers spread nationwide, including locations in Altus, OK, accessing services is fast and convenient. This broad availability ensures that individuals and employers can obtain tests without hassle, offering an easy, streamlined process tailored to their needs.
Easy and Confidential Testing Process in Altus, OK
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns regarding privacy. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is designed to ensure user comfort and ease, simplifying the experience while safeguarding personal information.
Affordable Pricing with Quick Results in Altus, OK
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible to companies of various sizes. Offering value alongside quick processing enhances client satisfaction, ensuring that quality testing is a cost-effective option for all.
Speedy and Precise Outcomes in Altus, OK
Hair follicle drug tests deliver quick, accurate, and steadfast results. Their capacity to detect a wide array of substances makes them ideal for individuals and employers seeking trustworthy assessments. This testing method ensures rapid processing times without compromising precision, offering unparalleled reliability for detecting drug use efficiently.
Assuring Workplace Compliance and Safety in Altus, OK
Employers can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This testing not only contributes to reducing legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind. Such reliable methods support maintaining a secure and drug-free environment effectively.
