Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. The ease of hair collection, coupled with its resistance to tampering, and straightforward shipping make it advantageous.
A sample of 1.5-inch hair, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in thickness) from near the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the hair sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Here, head hair denotes only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary processes in laboratory testing for drug results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the integration of a sample within a lab’s framework. This process ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective solution to exclude drug usage in most cases, confirmation is necessary for court-admissible results. Any samples that appear positive in Screening undergo a secondary confirmation.
When Screening suggests a potential positive, additional hair from the original specimen is taken for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluid testing, which presents a challenge for hair drug testing.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tentatively positive are washed as needed before confirming the results. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Dubbed as "hair follicle tests", such tests evaluate the actual hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Regarding drug testing in Fairmont, OK, hair follicle testing consistently outperforms traditional urine tests. Hair testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy and reliability, able to uncover drug use dating back up to 90 days. This extensive window surpasses the shorter detection period offered by urine tests.
In Fairmont, OK, hair follicle tests are the go-to choice due to their extended detection window. They capture drug use information spanning up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. This capability grants a robust assessment of long-term drug habits.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Fairmont, OK markedly reduces the potential for sample tampering. This method offers reliable and indisputable results, as altering a hair sample is much more difficult compared to other testing forms, ensuring integrity over the testing process.
Our network of testing centers, including local spots in Fairmont, OK, facilitates the accessibility of drug testing services across the nation. These convenient locations make it easy for individuals and organizations to conduct tests without the hassle, ensuring a straightforward process.
In Fairmont, OK, the process of ordering and taking hair follicle tests is straightforward and discreet. Designed with ease and privacy in mind, this system allows users to comfortably receive reliable results without privacy concerns. Confidentiality is a core part of the service, addressing user needs effectively.
Fairmont, OK benefits from our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. This method not only fits within budget constraints for companies of varying scales but also offers prompt result delivery, providing exceptional value and assurance for stakeholders.
In Fairmont, OK, hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering swift and accurate results. Unlike other testing methods, they offer a high level of precision, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance usage. Their fast processing time ensures reliability in the results provided.
Employing hair follicle testing for drug screening in Fairmont, OK ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This not only minimizes legal risks but also boosts safety and integrity in work environments. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are adhering to necessary regulations.
