Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by incorporating biomarkers into the growing hair strand's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it's suggested to obtain 150mg of the sample. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample into the lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined 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 called "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Copan, OK
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in Copan, OK offer superior detection accuracy. While urine tests can be limited to recent usage, hair tests provide an in-depth analysis of substance use over several months. This extensive detection period makes hair tests a preferred choice for those needing a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window in Copan, OK
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection period for drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This extensive window presents employers in Copan, OK with a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's substance history, ultimately aiding in informed hiring decisions. This method significantly surpasses the much shorter timelines offered by traditional testing.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Copan, OK
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. In Copan, OK, this method ensures integrity by being nearly impossible to cheat, delivering results that can be trusted by employers, courts, and other institutions, thus providing peace of mind through a secure testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Copan, OK
The convenience of having numerous testing centers across the nation, including in Copan, OK, ensures easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing. Our strategically positioned locations provide quick solutions to meet the needs of individuals and businesses, ensuring efficient and accessible testing services nationwide.
Simple, Confidential Process in Copan, OK
The process of ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Copan, OK is designed to be straightforward and confidential. This ensures ease of use while maintaining privacy, addressing any concerns individuals might have about discretion throughout the testing and result delivery phases.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Copan, OK
Our competitive pricing structures paired with quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Copan, OK not only affordable but also efficient. We provide exceptional value, ensuring results and peace of mind for companies of all sizes without the burden of high costs or extended wait periods.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Copan, OK
Hair follicle tests in Copan, OK are known for their rapid and precise results. By analyzing only a small hair sample, these tests can accurately detect substance use, ensuring reliability that is unmatched by other testing methods. This swift process provides clear results, helping individuals and businesses make informed decisions promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Copan, OK
Implementing hair follicle testing in Copan, OK helps companies adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This testing approach substantially reduces legal risks and enhances site safety, offering employers peace of mind with a reliable method that ensures both compliance and worker safety.