Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it provides a comprehensive history of substance intake. When sourced close to the scalp, hair offers an approximately 3-month detection window for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly tricky to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair can’t be acquired, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation in order to be court-admissible. Any samples with presumptively positive results during Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the main specimen for Extraction preparation. At this stage, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Castle, OK has observed a growing preference for hair follicle testing over urine testing. The advanced detection capabilities of hair tests provide superior accuracy, making them ideal for contexts requiring detailed drug use history.
Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection period and increased reliability, making them beneficial for employers seeking robust and accurate drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Castle, OK offers an extended detection window. It can reveal drug use history up to 90 days, providing employers a comprehensive view of a candidate's substance habits.
This longer span ensures employers make informed decisions, as hair tests provide a detailed account of an individual's drug use over time, unlike other tests with shorter detection periods.
In Castle, OK, the hair follicle test stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, assuring reliable results.
The difficulty of manipulating hair samples ensures the test remains trustworthy, offering a dependable option for accurate drug testing unfettered by common tampering methods.
With testing centers nationwide, including in Castle, OK, accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient. Our extensive network simplifies the process, making it quick and straightforward for all users.
The availability of local facilities ensures that individuals can receive testing services without hassle or delay, enhancing the service experience through accessibility.
In Castle, OK, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy and ease are prioritized to address client concerns.
This straightforward procedure assures users of discreet handling of their information while providing efficient service, protecting their privacy and simplifying the testing journey.
Providing excellent value in Castle, OK, hair follicle testing is both affordable and fast. Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make it a favorable option for businesses of varying scales.
Cost-effective solutions coupled with rapid results ensure companies benefit from quality service without financial strain, enhancing their operational efficiency.
In Castle, OK, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are celebrated for their precision in detecting substance use, ensuring that employers and authorities can rely on the findings without doubt.
With a streamlined process, hair follicle testing delivers results rapidly, allowing for swift decisions. The high accuracy and efficiency of these tests make them the preferred choice for thorough substance detection.
The use of hair follicle testing in Castle, OK brings compliance and peace of mind to employers. It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks.
By implementing this testing, companies reinforce safety standards, promoting a secure working environment and safeguarding against liabilities associated with substance abuse.