Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates long-term markers of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair enables a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to obtain, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's circumference) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, added tests, or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weight the sample is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is missing, a similar portion of body hair can be taken. In discussions of head hair, it indicates only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase wherein a specimen is entered into a lab's database. It comprises confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, as well as assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any leftover data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't provided.
Screening involves a rapid preliminary check for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective solution to weed out drug use in most cases, a positive screen needs to be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
When a specimen seems positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably reduced concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most intricate to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed by employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Crawford, OK
Hair testing surpasses urine testing with its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair tests provide a long-term view of drug use patterns, crucial for identifying habitual usage.
Unlike urine tests that are prone to manipulation, hair tests offer undeniable reliability, ensuring that the results reflect the true substance history of individuals in a trusted manner.
Extended Detection Window in Crawford, OK
The key advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. It can identify drug consumption over a span of up to 90 days, giving employers a thorough insight into an individual’s substance usage habits.
This long-term detection capability is crucial for employers seeking a comprehensive review of an applicant or employee's history, ensuring safer hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Crawford, OK
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Their resistance to substitution and adulteration offers unparalleled assurance, providing results that are both trustworthy and credible.
The robust nature of hair testing ensures that the integrity of the test is maintained, safeguarding against attempts to manipulate outcomes through deceitful means.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Crawford, OK
Our expansive network of nationwide testing centers ensures ease of access for all testing needs. This accessibility simplifies the testing process, offering quick, easy solutions for individuals and businesses.
Local centers in Crawford, OK, offer immediate testing services, eliminating hassle and providing a user-friendly experience that caters directly to community needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Crawford, OK
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and simplicity from ordering to results. This user-focused approach addresses privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use.
Confidentiality is paramount, with secure procedures in place that protect the privacy of individuals while they undergo and await their testing results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Crawford, OK
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times stand out, offering great value for organizations of all sizes. These benefits, combined with reliability, make our testing services highly rewarding.
Such efficient service delivery ensures that businesses can make informed decisions swiftly, without financial strain, enhancing their ability to maintain a productive workplace environment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Crawford, OK
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and swiftness in detecting substance use. Their ability to accurately determine drug intake provides a clear advantage over other testing methodologies, ensuring results you can trust.
The high accuracy of these tests makes them invaluable for reliable detection, cutting down on false positives and providing clarity in substance assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Crawford, OK
Employers gain peace of mind when utilizing hair follicle testing due to its compliance with drug-free policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by ensuring regular substance checks.
Through consistent deployment of hair testing, businesses can uphold their commitment to a safe, drug-free environment, promoting overall well-being and operational integrity.
