Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged account of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair is capable of offering a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands of hair (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advocated. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically indicating scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in the laboratory encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This step includes verifying the integrity and proper shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally admissible. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is collected from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively test positive undergo washing prior to validation as required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests and traditional urine tests in Fay, OK, the former demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests ensure a more accurate detection of substances, providing a dependable solution. This advanced detection capability makes hair testing an appealing choice over urine tests for many sectors.
Hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over an extended period, sometimes as long as 90 days. This extended detection window gives employers a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's drug usage history, offering insights that are invaluable for maintaining a safe workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing offers a testing method that significantly reduces the chances of sample tampering. The nature of hair tests ensures it provides unquestionable results, reassuring companies and legal entities in Fay, OK, about the integrity of their drug testing programs.
We provide convenient testing centers nationwide, including local sites in Fay, OK. This ensures accessibility and ease for individuals needing quick and hassle-free drug testing. Our vast network guarantees efficient service wherever you are.
Our process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, easing concerns over privacy and convenience in Fay, OK. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward and discreet, maintaining the privacy of our clients.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Fay, OK, provide excellent value. Affordable rates combined with quick results make it feasible for companies of any size to maintain rigorous testing protocols.
The process of hair follicle drug testing is both fast and precise, making it highly effective in catching substance use. These tests offer unmatched accuracy when examined by professionals, ensuring reliable results in Fay, OK. By focusing on such high standards, hair follicle testing satisfies the demand for quick and accurate outcomes.
Implementing hair follicle drug testing in the workplace ensures compliance with drug-free policies. It offers peace of mind for employers, minimizing legal risks and bolstering safety in Fay, OK. Such testing supports a culture of responsibility and safety.
