Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as an effective resource for detecting use of drugs and alcohol. Hair contains a prolonged record of drugs and alcohol by capturing biomarkers within its growing strand. Collected near the scalp, it offers a detection window of up to 3 months for various substances. The collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair—ideal for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab processing of drug tests involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any additional data not entered through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although cost-efficient for ruling out most drug use, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Presumptively positive samples at this stage require further confirmation.
For presumed positive samples from Screening, additional hair is extracted and prepared for the Extraction phase. This step extracts drugs at much lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, marking hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples are washed before Confirmation if necessary. The entire processing sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Important: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Big Cabin, OK, hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests detect drug use over a longer duration, providing a detailed history of substance use.
This makes them preferable for employers and agencies seeking comprehensive results over standard urine tests.
Big Cabin, OK benefits greatly from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window.
This method can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history,
which is vital for making informed hiring or retention decisions.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Big Cabin, OK,
is its ability to resist tampering. The nature of hair samples makes it extremely difficult to alter or adulterate,
ensuring the integrity and reliability of test results, important for maintaining trust and accuracy.
The convenience of having nationwide testing centers in Big Cabin, OK,
ensures that drug testing services are quick and hassle-free for all clients.
Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to professional testing, enhancing convenience for individuals and businesses alike.
Clients in Big Cabin, OK can expect a simple and confidential process when ordering and undergoing hair follicle tests.
From scheduling to receiving results, each step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about ease of use and confidentiality.
In Big Cabin, OK, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests.
Competitive prices and quick results ensure companies of all sizes receive great value, while maintaining quality and efficiency in drug testing services.
The hair follicle drug test provides fast, accurate, and reliable results for residents in Big Cabin, OK. Utilizing advanced technology, this method excels in precision, ensuring that substances are detected accurately.
The efficiency of hair testing not only aids in timely decision-making but also fosters confidence in the results obtained.
For employers in Big Cabin, OK, hair follicle testing provides peace of mind by ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies.
This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety through its accurate and detailed drug use detection.
