Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair chronicles a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can suggest up to an approximately 3-month observation window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy for transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for evaluation and affirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Whereas, body hair refers to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical stages in the lab handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This includes verifying the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that are initially positive in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
If a specimen is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Authentication of any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite sometimes being called "hair follicle tests", the test in fact examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cold Springs, OK: Hair testing provides superior reliability with its extended detection capability, spanning up to 90 days. In contrast, urine tests only cover a short window. Hair samples eliminate the opportunity for tampering that is often associated with urine collection, ensuring unquestionable results.
Extended Detection Window in Cold Springs, OK: Hair follicle screening offers a comprehensive overview of substance use by capturing drug metabolites over a 90-day period. This extended window is invaluable for employers evaluating the substance habits of potential hires or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cold Springs, OK: The inherent design of hair follicle tests significantly limits the potential for manipulation or adulteration. This robust process ensures that the results obtained are accurate and reliable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cold Springs, OK: With testing centers located nationwide, including in Cold Springs, accessing our services is seamless and efficient. Our wide reach facilitates quick and hassle-free service access across various locales.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cold Springs, OK: The steps involved in hair follicle testing are straightforward and designed for maximum confidentiality. From ordering to result retrieval, every stage respects privacy and simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cold Springs, OK: Our competitive pricing models are tailored to suit companies of all sizes, offering exceptional value. Additionally, the rapid turnaround of results supports timely decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cold Springs, OK: Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and rapid results. The meticulous collection process paired with state-of-the-art analysis ensures the high accuracy of results, crucial for detecting various substances.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cold Springs, OK: Adopting hair follicle drug testing aligns with maintaining workplace safety and adherence to drug-free policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and heightened worker safety.
