Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a highly effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a three-month detection window for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to alter, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length with about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, this specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the laboratory includes four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step that involves processing the sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples considered presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the scalp's hair follicle.
In Catoosa, OK, hair follicle testing holds an edge over urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and overall reliability. Employers and professionals often turn to hair tests for their comprehensive drug detection capabilities.
One of the key benefits is the high level of accuracy, making it a trustable option over urine tests, which might not detect long-term substance use as effectively.
Hair follicle tests in Catoosa, OK, offer an extensive detection window, capturing substance use up to 90 days. This lengthy window provides employers a detailed insight into an individual's drug history.
Unlike other test types, the extended detection period is advantageous for creating a comprehensive profile of potential employees, ensuring informed decision-making processes.
In Catoosa, OK, hair follicle testing is championed for its tamper-resistant nature, which greatly diminishes the risk of adulteration. The method's integrity assures unquestionable confidence in the results.
Such a reliable testing approach fortifies the validity of the outcomes, negating any attempts of alteration by the test subject, thus providing strong evidence for assessment.
Catoosa, OK, benefits from numerous testing centers nationwide, making hair follicle testing accessible and convenient. This network ensures that individuals can easily find and attend a center near them without hassle.
The presence of local and nationwide locations reflects a commitment to providing efficient and effective service, allowing for swift testing and processing for all involved.
In Catoosa, OK, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. Ordering a test, undergoing the procedure, and receiving results is designed to be as seamless and private as possible.
Addressing privacy concerns is paramount, and the method keeps personal information securely handled, reassuring clients of their confidentiality throughout the entire process.
Hair follicle tests in Catoosa, OK, stand out for their affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This affordability, coupled with quick results, provides excellent value to companies of all sizes.
Employers can enjoy competitive pricing strategies that cater to varying business needs, ensuring that quality testing is accessible, timely, and economical.
The hair follicle drug test offers unparalleled precision and rapid results for detecting substance use in Catoosa, OK. Its accuracy far surpasses traditional methods, making it the preferred choice for those seeking reliable outcomes.
Quick and efficient, these tests ensure that the identification process is streamlined without compromising on detail, providing both precision and swiftness in detecting any present substances.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Catoosa, OK, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, granting companies peace of mind and safety. With little risk of legal exposure, employers can rest assured their policies are enforced.
Choosing reliable testing options becomes a means of not only policy enforcement but also enhancing the overall safety and security within the work environment.
