Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into an efficient method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands, akin to a #2 pencil in size, gathered nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be absent, an analogous quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair only, whereas body hair covers any other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for determining a drug test result consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial introduction of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supporting data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial check for illicit drugs. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in most specimens, a screening test’s positive result demands confirmation for court acceptability. Any samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening undergo further confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels than found in other testing styles (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirming any positive screen outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives receive a wash before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory cycle complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests in Cleo Springs, OK. Its standout feature is its ability to detect past drug use over a longer timeframe, offering superior detection accuracy.
This method provides a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, showcasing its preference over urine testing. The reliability further underscores its position as a superior testing option.
In Cleo Springs, OK, hair follicle testing extends its detection window up to 90 days, offering a more thorough understanding of drug use. Such an expansive timeframe allows employers to have a clearer view of an employee’s or candidate's substance history.
This prolonged detection capability is instrumental for comprehensive evaluations, ensuring informed decision-making without missing signs of past use.
Hair follicle testing in Cleo Springs, OK, is designed to resist tampering, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, keeping the integrity of the testing process intact.
Employers can trust the outcomes as they eliminate the common pitfalls associated with traditional urine tests, establishing a trustworthy screening environment.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing sites across the nation and in Cleo Springs, OK. With a wide reach of local centers, these locations provide an easy access point for testing services, ensuring the process is quick and hassle-free.
Our nationwide presence guarantees that individuals can always find a testing center nearby, easing the logistical challenges of scheduling and attending tests.
Our process in Cleo Springs, OK, emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is hassle-free, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the privacy of individuals involved.
By focusing on a straightforward approach, we address common privacy concerns, ensuring that the testing process is both simple and respectful of confidentiality.
In Cleo Springs, OK, Accredited Drug Testing provides affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that cost-effective solutions are always available.
With our quick turnaround, companies receive the benefits of efficient service, combining affordability with the assurance of timely results.
In Cleo Springs, OK, hair follicle drug tests are fast, accurate, and reliable. Precision in detection distinguishes these tests from others, providing a dependable method for identifying substance use. The results are both quick and precise, making it a preferred choice over other testing options.
Our hair follicle tests ensure a high level of accuracy as they meticulously analyze samples for substance detection. This accuracy helps you make informed decisions while maintaining a safe environment.
Employers in Cleo Springs, OK, benefit from using hair follicle testing for compliance with drug-free policies. This method helps in reducing legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind for employers committed to a safe and productive environment.
By ensuring adherence to policies, hair follicle tests minimize liability concerns, fostering a safer workplace for all employees.
