Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial processing of a specimen within a lab’s system. This step verifies that the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a quick preliminary check for drug use. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In instances where a sample is found to be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is a particularly challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples testing presumptive positive are washed when required. The complete laboratory procedure, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often used is misleading as the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carmen, OK
In Carmen, OK, hair follicle drug testing outperforms traditional urine tests due to its superior detection features. Hair tests offer an extensive detection timeline, capturing drug use for up to 90 days versus the much shorter period detected by urine tests. This makes hair testing a more comprehensive and trustworthy choice for those aiming for precision in substance use detection.
Extended Detection Window in Carmen, OK
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Carmen, OK, is its substantial detection window. Capable of identifying drug usage over a 90-day period, this method offers employers a detailed substance history of their employees. Such breadth in detection provides a clear and broader perspective on an individual's past use, surpassing the temporal limitations of other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carmen, OK
In Carmen, OK, the hair follicle test is a robust method that's significantly resilient to tampering. While other tests like urine might be manipulated, hair follicle testing provides reliable outcomes, free from adulteration. This integrity ensures the results are indisputable, maintaining a standard that supports both transparency and accountability in substance use detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carmen, OK
With a network spanning across the nation, including locations in Carmen, OK, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures tests are conducted efficiently, saving time and providing convenience for individuals and employers. Wherever you're situated, testing is made accessible and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carmen, OK
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Carmen, OK, is designed to be both simple and confidential. Booking a test, performing the procedure, and receiving results are carried out with an emphasis on privacy. This streamlined approach ensures that personal information is kept secure, and the process remains discreet and user-friendly for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carmen, OK
In Carmen, OK, we offer competitive pricing structures and rapid result delivery for hair follicle testing. These cost-effective solutions, coupled with quick turnaround times, provide excellent value for companies of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind without compromising on quality or speed. Our commitment to affordability does not sacrifice accuracy or reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carmen, OK
Hair follicle drug testing distinguishes itself with unmatched precision and rapid turnaround times. While urine tests might be quicker, hair tests are extremely dependable, capable of detecting substance use with remarkable clarity. This accuracy ensures peace of mind for employers and individuals alike, knowing that results they rely on are not only quick but also incredibly reliable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carmen, OK
Employers in Carmen, OK, can rely on hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies. This method not only meets compliance standards but also minimizes legal risks associated with drug use. By ensuring accurate and reliable results, businesses can foster a safer, more productive workplace environment, granting them assurance and reducing potential liabilities.
