Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying the usage of alcohol and drugs. Hair retains a prolonged record of substances by capturing biomarkers within its strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol consumption history for up to 90 days. Collection is straightforward, alteration is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal specimen amount for screening and confirmations. For more comprehensive tests, such as EtG assessments or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We advocate for weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an identical quantity of body hair can suffice. Our reference to head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair. Bodily hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug sample in laboratories primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into the laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and recording any additional data not automatically transferred via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening acts as an initial examination for the presence of drugs. It serves as an economical approach to exclude drug presence in most samples, but a positive screening must go through confirmation for legal validation. Samples with a presumptive positive result require further confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial sample undergoes Extraction. During this step, drugs are separated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why the hair drug testing technique is exceptionally intricate.
Any positive screening is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that display presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation, if needed. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed as per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Boyd, OK
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers greater accuracy in detecting drug use. This method significantly surpasses urine sampling by providing a comprehensive look into an individual's substance history, making it especially beneficial for employers with stringent anti-drug use policies. Hair testing detects long-term patterns, offering a more reliable screening tool.
Extended Detection Window in Boyd, OK
Hair follicle testing excels with its ability to uncover drug use within an extended timeframe of up to 90 days. This feature grants employers a thorough perspective on an applicant’s or employee's substance use habits. It helps in making well-informed hiring and management decisions, knowing that the test can track drug history much better than a urine test.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Boyd, OK
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage in terms of sample integrity. The method minimizes the potential for tampering, ensuring that results are reliable and unchallengeable. This is crucial in maintaining the process's credibility, as the hair sample is collected in an observed manner, leaving no room for manipulation and providing trusted outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Boyd, OK
Accredited Drug Testing ensures ease of access to testing services through its conveniently located centers nationwide, including Boyd, OK. This network supports fast, simple, and hassle-free testing processes for individuals and companies, ensuring that necessary drug testing is always within reach and conducted by professionals.
Simple, Confidential Process in Boyd, OK
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle testing results is designed to be straightforward and private. This simplicity ensures that individuals can navigate the testing procedure with ease while maintaining confidentiality. It addresses privacy concerns efficiently, offering a user-friendly approach to critical drug testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Boyd, OK
Our competitive pricing structures combined with quick result turnaround ensure that companies receive excellent value. Employers and individuals benefit from efficient service without compromising on quality, allowing decisions to be made accurately and promptly. This combination makes our hair testing services both economical and advantageous for all sizes of organizations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Boyd, OK
Hair follicle drug tests provide unmatched precision and speed, making them a superior choice for detecting substance use. Their high accuracy ensures that professionals and organizations get reliable results swiftly, eliminating doubts about the presence of drugs. The efficacy of hair tests in identifying substances over a longer frame ensures decisions are based on factual data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Boyd, OK
By implementing hair follicle tests, employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating legal risks. Such testing forms a pivotal part of fostering a secure work environment, providing peace of mind and assurance to organizations and their teams. This leads to a healthier workplace culture, securing compliance effectively.
