Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
With time, hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair, it provides a prolonged record of substance usage. Hair collected close to the scalp offers nearly a 3-month detection period for various substances. It's straightforward to gather, quite resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferred. Utilization of a jeweler’s scale is advised for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test follows four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial assessment for substance presence. Though cost-effective, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. All samples that show presumptive positivity need secondary verification.
If Screening indicates positivity, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Johnston, OK Hair drug tests offer a reliable and thorough advantage over urine testing.
Urine tests may detect recent usage, but they often miss prolonged patterns of substance use.
In East Johnston, the preference for hair testing is due to its superior detection accuracy over traditional urine methods, providing a comprehensive assessment.
Extended Detection Window in East Johnston, OK One of the prime advantages of hair follicle testing is its capability to review drug use for up to 90 days.
For employers in East Johnston, this means gaining a broad perspective on an applicant or staff member's substance consumption history.
A urine test cannot match this extended period, making hair tests ideal for insightful, long-term evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Johnston, OK Hair drug tests are designed to significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering.
For businesses and institutions in East Johnston, this means ensuring that test results are reliable and unquestionable, as attempts at compromising the hair specimens are extraordinarily difficult.
Unlike urine samples, hair tests provide quality assurance and integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Johnston, OK Our extensive network of testing centers offers hassle-free access to substance assessment services.
Whether you are in East Johnston or traveling nationwide, finding a center is quick and easy.
This convenience ensures timely results without the logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Johnston, OK Our testing process prioritizes both simplicity and confidentiality for all parties involved.
From scheduling your appointment to receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly, maintaining privacy.
In East Johnston, individuals can feel confident knowing their personal information is protected.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Johnston, OK For businesses in East Johnston, our hair drug testing options provide a balance of cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality.
Our competitive pricing structures combined with swift result delivery offer tremendous value.
This ensures companies can implement effective drug policies promptly and economically.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Johnston, OK Hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision in detecting substance use.
In East Johnston, this method has become synonymous with dependability. While urine tests may fail to capture long-term consumption patterns, hair analysis provides clarity with its unmatched accuracy.
The efficiency of hair tests promises results that are both swift and definitive.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Johnston, OK Implementing hair follicle testing in your workplace upholds stringent drug-free policies and legal compliance.
This testing method not only enhances workplace safety but also reduces litigation risks.
For employers in East Johnston, adopting hair analysis offers peace of mind, ensuring a consistent adherence to regulations.
