Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is taken near the scalp, it offers a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
Collecting a sample of 1.5 inches from roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, considered the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test outcome process in the lab mainly involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This task includes ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input that wasn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed for it to hold up in court. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample, and preparation begins for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Colony, OK, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. The superior detection accuracy and reliability ensure that substance use is identified correctly. Hair testing is less susceptible to manipulation, providing a trustworthy option for employers. This method's capacity to detect a range of substances makes it a clear winner when compared to traditional urine testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in Colony, OK, provides an extended detection window, enabling the identification of drug use up to 90 days. Such prolonged detection periods offer employers a thorough view of an employee's substance history, allowing for more informed staffing decisions. This broad timeframe makes hair testing invaluable for organizations aiming to maintain high standards regarding drug use policies.
Hair follicle tests performed in Colony, OK, are acclaimed for their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly diminish the risk of sample adulteration due to their collection method, which is less invasive and provides reliable results. The security and accuracy associated with this testing method ensure that results stand up to scrutiny, offering assured outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient nationwide testing locations, including services in Colony, OK. Our expansive network ensures easy access to hair follicle testing facilities, simplifying the process for individuals and businesses alike. The convenience of having testing centers readily available means that obtaining reliable testing is hassle-free and efficient.
The process for hair follicle testing in Colony, OK, is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure remains straightforward, alleviating concerns about privacy. Clients can trust that their testing experience is discreet and designed to maintain confidentiality throughout.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Colony, OK, our hair follicle testing services deliver excellent value. Competitive pricing structures mean that companies of all sizes can access reliable testing without breaking their budget. The quick processing of results ensures businesses can make timely, informed decisions, providing peace of mind and value.
In Colony, OK, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring the detection of substance use is spot-on. The precision in these tests is unmatched, providing clear insights into an individual's substance use over an extended period. The efficiency of hair testing processes guarantees that results are delivered quickly, making it a preferred choice for organizations seeking swift checks without compromising accuracy.
Employers in Colony, OK, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This method significantly lowers legal risks and bolsters workplace safety by aligning with zero-tolerance policies. By adopting hair testing, businesses protect against potential liabilities and foster a safe and compliant work environment.
