Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now recognized as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair has the potential to reveal substance use for a period of up to roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically implies scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the sample’s initial entry into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment were proper, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any further information entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although it economically rules out drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be accepted in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and ready for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging practice to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination assesses the hair shaft rather than the follicle below the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Trumps Urine Testing in Etowah, OK? Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability over conventional urine tests. While urine tests are limited in their detection window, hair testing can uncover substance use much further back, offering an extended analysis capability. This advantage makes it a go-to choice for employers seeking a thorough assessment.
Extended Detection Window through hair follicle testing in Etowah, OK allows employers to look back up to 90 days in evaluating drug use. This extended timeframe gives a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history compared to other testing methods. Such a broad detection window equips employers with critical insights to ensure an informed hiring process and maintain workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing with hair follicle methods in Etowah, OK drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration. By utilizing hair samples, which are difficult to manipulate or replace, this method assures a higher level of result integrity. Organizations opting for hair follicle testing gain peace of mind, knowing their results are both reliable and credible.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Etowah, OK provide ease and convenience for drug testing needs. With centers spread across the nation, including local sites, obtaining tests is quick and hassle-free. This vast network simplifies the process for individuals and organizations, assuring timely access to essential testing services.
Simple and Confidential Process in Etowah, OK makes ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results straightforward and discreet. The emphasis on confidentiality helps address privacy concerns, ensuring all clientele receive results securely and privately, without complicating the process of substance testing.
Affordable Pricing and Rapid Turnaround in Etowah, OK reinforce our commitment to providing exceptional value. Our competitive pricing structures and efficient turnaround times mean businesses of any size can benefit from high-quality drug screening without exorbitant costs. This model ensures superior service and peace of mind.
Fast and Precise Results with Hair Follicle Testing in Etowah, OK guarantee efficient and accurate detection of substance use. The precision offered by hair tests surpasses traditional methods, ensuring reliable identification of drug presence. Result reliability combined with quick processing makes it a preferred option, especially for organizations requiring timely and trustworthy reviews.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Etowah, OK is achieved through hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. The reliability of hair tests in detecting long-term drug use ensures employers are compliant with regulations, fostering a secure and lawful working environment.
