Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessment is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the growing hair fibers, hair offers a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol use. When collected close to the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to around 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and conveniently shipped.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for testing and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is ideal. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" strictly pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (face, axilla, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is incorporated into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out usage in most samples, a positive Screening must be verified for court validity. Samples with presumptive positives from Screening require a follow-up Confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity from Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid testing), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
The Confirmation of positive screenings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," these actually analyze the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Armstrong, OK, hair follicle testing is rising as the preferred choice over traditional urine drug testing. The primary edge it holds is a superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair examinations trace drug use over a prolonged period, making them virtually cheat-proof. Additionally, hair testing ensures a robust evaluation, thus better informing employers and courts of substance history.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Armstrong, OK, is its extended detection window. This method traces drug intake for up to 90 days, granting employers a well-rounded view of an individual's substance use history. Such long-term detection is invaluable in creating a more informed profile of applicants and current employees, assisting in making more secure decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Armstrong, OK, presents a tamper-resistant option, significantly mitigating the chances of sample manipulation. This brings a higher level of reliability to the results, ensuring that the assessments reflect genuine substance usage. The difficulty in adulterating these samples makes them a preferred choice over urine tests that are more susceptible to tampering.
With a broad network of testing facilities, both nationwide and locally in Armstrong, OK, our services ensure that individuals have quick and hassle-free access. Our strategically placed centers ensure expedient testing procedures, eliminating travel hassles and ensuring timely results, thus simplifying the testing process for anyone in need.
The procedure for hair follicle drug testing in Armstrong, OK, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, the process respects privacy. This approach addresses participants' concerns, ensuring a seamless experience that doesn’t compromise on discretion.
Hair follicle testing in Armstrong, OK, is characterised by competitive pricing and rapid result times, offering great value for employers of all sizes. The affordability ensures that companies can maintain rigorous drug testing programs without financial strain, while the swift turnaround further provides certainty and peace of mind.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Armstrong, OK, are unparalleled. With their precise method, they reliably detect any substance use, offering results that employers and legal authorities can trust. Hair tests stand out in their ability to deliver fast and reliable outcomes, making them a leading choice for comprehensive substance monitoring.
Incorporating hair follicle testing within Armstrong, OK, workplaces guarantees compliance with drug-free policies. This method not only reduces legal exposure but also upholds safety by providing irrefutable proof of drug use or abstinence. Employers can thus assure their workforce and stakeholders of their commitment to a safe and trustworthy environment.
