Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective resource, hair testing is utilized for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method offers a comprehensive timeline of drug markers preserved within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected from just above the scalp, hair samples can reveal evidence of alcohol and drug use for up to a three-month timeframe. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is more challenging, and shipping is simple.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) situated near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and definitive testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to collect 150mg of hair. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If it's not possible to obtain scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. By 'head hair,' we mean only scalp hair; 'body hair' pertains to other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is entered into the laboratory's system. This step entails checking whether the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data tasks not managed electronically by a chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial assessment for drug presence. This quick-check method is a low-cost approach to eliminate drug use in most samples; however, confirmed positivity is necessary for legal proceedings. All samples indicating potential positivity during Screening require additional confirmation.
In instances where Screening suggests a positive result, further hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method.
Confirmation of positive screenings occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Preceding confirmation, samples showing potential positivity undergo thorough washing. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," these tests assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Davis, OK
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This advanced testing method provides a superior means of screening, ensuring a more comprehensive drug use overview.
Extended Detection Window in Davis, OK
Hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use over up to 90 days presents employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history, making it an invaluable tool for comprehensive evaluation.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Davis, OK
With hair follicle tests, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring that results are reliable and beyond question. This testing method stands out for its ability to guarantee authenticity and integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Davis, OK
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures you have quick, easy access to our services wherever you are. You can count on a hassle-free experience in Davis or any other location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Davis, OK
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and secure, ensuring privacy always. It's crafted to maintain confidentiality and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Davis, OK
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times provide excellent value, ensuring companies achieve peace of mind efficiently and affordably.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Davis, OK
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed in detecting substance use. Unlike other methods, they provide highly accurate results, making them a reliable choice for those who require swift and trustworthy testing in Davis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Davis, OK
Employing hair follicle testing helps in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities, and enhancing safety. Employers gain assurance and compliance effortlessly.