Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a proportional amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair only, while body hair comprises all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is marked presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a low concentration, which sets hair testing apart as the most complex method compared to others (like urine or oral fluid).
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation following ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Evening Shade, OK: The hair test method not only captures a broader spectrum of drug use but also ensures higher reliability in outcomes compared to standard urine methods.
This comprehensive approach in drug detection ensures that employers can uphold their zero-tolerance policies effectively without the risk of false negatives that can occur with urine tests.
Reliable Detection: Hair testing's longer detection window offers a more accurate depiction of an applicant's or employee's substance history, enabling better hiring and management decisions.
Extended Detection Window Advantage in Evening Shade, OK: Hair follicle tests provide an excellent overview of an individual's substance usage over an extended period, up to 90 days. This timeframe is invaluable in making informed employment decisions.
Employers gain the ability to assess potential hires or current employees with a comprehensive lens, evaluating long-term patterns rather than recent behavior.
The extensive detection range of hair follicle testing ensures employers are well-informed of any substance abuse issues over the past months, contributing to a safer workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Evening Shade, OK: The inherent nature of hair follicle tests minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring the authenticity of results.
Unlike other testing methods, hair tests are collected under strictly observed conditions, further negating any attempts to alter the sample.
This robust anti-tampering capability of hair follicle tests offers employers in Evening Shade confidence in the integrity of their testing process.
Convenient Testing Locations in Evening Shade, OK: Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free access to testing services through our extensive network of locations nationwide.
Local centers provide accessibility and convenience, minimizing downtime and ensuring employees and individuals can complete their tests promptly without unnecessary travel.
Simplified and Confidential Process in Evening Shade, OK: Our hair follicle testing services are designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring the privacy of all participants.
From scheduling to receiving results, the process is streamlined to meet specific needs without complicated procedures, fostering confidence and ease of use.
Discreet and efficient: Our commitment to protecting personal information ensures a seamless, private experience.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Evening Shade, OK: We offer competitive pricing structures that cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value for our testing services.
Our swift turnaround times further solidify our commitment to providing efficient and affordable solutions for drug testing needs.
Companies can rest assured knowing they receive quality services without excessive costs, enhancing overall operational efficacy.
The efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Evening Shade, OK, are unmatched. With a superior detection rate, these tests can swiftly identify substance use, ensuring quick and reliable results for both employers and individuals.
The precision of hair testing is notable, capturing substance use with greater accuracy than other methods. This reliability supports informed decision-making in critical circumstances.
The speed of obtaining results also plays a crucial role in maintaining workplace integrity, allowing organizations in Evening Shade to address issues promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Evening Shade, OK: The implementation of hair follicle testing assists in maintaining compliance with established drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing potential legal liabilities.
Such testing not only fortifies workplace safety but also assures peace of mind for employers, knowing they are fostering a healthy work environment.
Hair testing provides undeniable assurance that organizations are adhering to the highest standards of employee safety and substance management.
