Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing emerges as a formidable asset in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended historical record of alcohol and various drugs due to the encapsulation of biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair provides a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, supplementary screens, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent sample of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in a laboratory for the evaluation of drug test outcomes involves four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the primary processing of a sample within the laboratory's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a confirmed screen is required for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening demand additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This stage extracts drug traces from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforming to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Billings, OK, hair follicle testing showcases advantages over traditional urine testing methods. Its superior detection longevity and reliability make it a preferred choice. Unlike urine tests, hair testing identifies drug use over a more extended period.
The extended detection window of hair testing in Billings, OK, is unparalleled. It covers drug use up to 90 days back, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. This capability gives a more thorough insight into an individual’s habits.
Hair follicle tests implemented in Billings, OK, are highly tamper-resistant. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are reliable and free from question.
Our testing centers are conveniently located across the nation, including Billings, OK. This nationwide presence ensures easy and hassle-free access to drug testing services.
The process in Billings, OK, for hair drug testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process respects privacy and ensures ease of operation.
Our competitive prices and quick result turnaround in Billings, OK, ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Offering great pricing and rapid service boosts company confidence.
Hair follicle drug tests in Billings, OK, offer swift and reliable results. With high accuracy rates, these tests can precisely detect substance consumption, providing confidence in the results.
For Billings, OK employers, hair follicle testing aligns with compliance requirements ensuring a drug-free workplace. It reduces legal concerns and enhances workplace safety.
