Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. Collected near the scalp area, hair can offer up to a three-month observation period for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is uncomplicated, moderately resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp amounts to 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional substances, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If no scalp hair is available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial integration into the laboratory’s framework. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial, rapid check for drug misuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result from this preliminary test requires confirmation to be accepted legally. Presumptive positive samples in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation procedure.
When a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (such as urine or saliva), rendering hair drug tests the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo a washing procedure as necessary. The full lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Elmer, OK
For those in Elmer, Oklahoma, opting for hair follicle testing provides numerous benefits over old-fashioned urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, this method is far more dependable. Unlike urine tests, which primarily detect recent drug use, hair follicle testing gives a complete history of substance use, thereby providing a clearer, more reliable picture of an individual’s drug history.
Extended Detection Window in Elmer, OK
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period for drug use, up to 90 days, which provides employers and authorities a thorough view of an individual’s substance use history. This extended window ensures that any recurring or past use doesn’t go unnoticed and offers a comprehensive analysis sliding beyond just recent use, which traditional urine tests might miss.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Elmer, OK
Hair follicle tests are significantly resistant to tampering, providing credible and indisputable results. Due to the nature of hair sample collection and analysis, these tests offer robust protection against common forms of test adulteration seen with other testing methods, making it a reliable choice for accurate drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Elmer, OK
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local sites in Elmer, Oklahoma, ensures that individuals and employers have easy access to testing services. This widespread availability makes it convenient to obtain tests without the hassle of long-distance travel, ensuring quick and easy testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Elmer, OK
The process of scheduling, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle testing in Elmer, Oklahoma, is user-friendly and ensures privacy. Individuals can confidently navigate through testing, knowing their privacy is respected, all while receiving fast, confidential results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Elmer, OK
We offer competitive pricing and swift result processing to cater to companies of any size in Elmer, Oklahoma. These economic and quick service offerings provide organizations with an excellent value while ensuring that they have swift access to the necessary information for maintaining safety standards.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Elmer, OK
Hair follicle testing stands out for its high precision and speedy outcomes in detecting substance use. Compared to traditional methods, these tests offer a higher accuracy rate, ensuring that substance use is reliably identified and results are delivered promptly. This efficiency makes it invaluable for employers and individuals who need trustworthy information promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Elmer, OK
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Elmer, OK can ensure strict compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. This testing approach assures business owners that they are taking necessary precautions to comply with regulations and maintain workplace safety.
