Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fort Supply, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can present up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample of about 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample is found to be presumptively positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter window.
• Hard to compromise: It is exceedingly difficult to manipulate a hair drug test, which enhances the accuracy of the results.
• Offers historical insight: It provides a pattern of drug consumption over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot indicate recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than other testing formats.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this process examines the hair strand, not the follicle underlying the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Benefits of Hair Testing Versus Urine Testing

In Fort Supply, OK, hair follicle testing prevails over traditional urine tests for several reasons. Its detection accuracy is unparalleled, ensuring reliable identification of drug use. While urine tests offer short-term detection, hair tests provide a comprehensive view over extended periods. Their robust analysis reduces false negatives, making them a superior choice for employers.

Enhanced Detection Capabilities

Hair tests have emerged as a better alternative due to their superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis reflects long-term substance use, underpinning decision-making for employers. Fort Supply, OK businesses value the detailed insight into an individual's history, enhancing workplace safety and compliance with zero-tolerance policies.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection with Hair Follicle Testing

In Fort Supply, OK, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides employers a broader view of substance use. Capable of detecting drug use over a 90-day period, these tests offer insights into an applicant or employee's history that urine tests cannot match. This comprehensive detection enables informed hiring and retention decisions.

Capturing Long-Term Patterns

Hair follicle tests excel in their ability to identify substance use over time. In Fort Supply, OK, this extended detection window helps employers understand candidates' habits, promoting better hiring choices. With up to three months of detection, businesses receive a full spectrum view into the timeline and patterns of substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Security in Hair Follicle Testing

Fort Supply, OK appreciates hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly lower the chance of sample adulteration, providing unmatched reliability. The collection process is often observed, making any attempts to alter results extremely difficult and ensuring credible and trustworthy outcomes.

Reducing Cheating Risks

The secure nature of hair follicle testing decreases the risk of cheating compared to other methods. In Fort Supply, OK, employers value the consistency and accuracy of results. The robust testing process enhances confidence in findings, thereby supporting responsible hiring and fostering a secure work environment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accessible Testing in Fort Supply, OK

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience with nationwide testing centers and localized services in Fort Supply, OK. This widespread network ensures easy access to quick and hassle-free testing services. Our facilities are strategically located to meet the needs of businesses and individuals, simplifying the testing process.

Streamlined Testing Across the Nation

Convenience is at the core of our services in Fort Supply, OK. With numerous locations available, clients benefit from seamless access to our testing centers. Fast and efficient service means minimal disruption to daily operations, emphasizing a commitment to simplicity and client satisfaction.

Simple, Confidential Process

Confidential and Easy Drug Testing

In Fort Supply, OK, we provide a simple, confidential process for drug testing. Order, take, and receive results without hassle, knowing that privacy is maintained at every step. Our straightforward procedures ensure clarity and ease, allowing individuals to focus on important tasks without concern for their privacy.

Simplifying the Testing Experience

Our services in Fort Supply, OK, simplify the drug testing process while maintaining confidentiality. Easy ordering and results delivery reduce stress for clients. By prioritizing privacy and straightforward procedures, we offer a user-friendly experience, ensuring satisfaction and peace of mind throughout the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability Meets Efficiency

In Fort Supply, OK, our drug testing services offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Companies benefit from competitive price structures that don't compromise on quality. The quick results provide exceptional value, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to manage drug testing needs effectively and economically.

Value-Driven Drug Testing

Our Fort Supply, OK, services are designed with affordability and efficiency in mind. Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround time ensure excellent value without sacrificing reliability. Businesses enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing results are accurate, on time, and economically sound, optimizing their operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Testing

In Fort Supply, OK, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, making them a preferred choice. Quick processing times ensure that results are delivered efficiently, reducing delays in decision-making processes. Innovative technologies enhance accuracy, reinforcing trust in test outcomes.

Why Choose Hair Follicle Tests?

Hair follicle tests outshine other methods due to their speed and precision. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances with high accuracy makes them invaluable for employers seeking dependable results. In Fort Supply, OK, quick results facilitate prompt responses, aligning with the needs and expectations of hiring and compliance processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance with Hair Follicle Testing

For employers in Fort Supply, OK, hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal issues and promoting safety. These tests bolster compliance efforts, offering undeniable evidence of substance use. By integrating this method, companies can enhance productivity and minimize workplace risk.

Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Fort Supply, OK, achieve peace of mind using hair follicle testing. Its reliable results ensure adherence to zero-tolerance policies, supporting ethical and safe workplace practices. Enhanced compliance reduces risks related to substance abuse, leading to a more secure and productive organizational environment.

Drug Testing Near Fort Supply, OK

Shattuck, OK

Rosston, OK

Curtis, OK

Sharon, OK

Northwest Ellis, OK

Mooreland, OK

Catesby, OK

Gage, OK

Laverne, OK

Buffalo, OK

Selman, OK

Northeast Ellis, OK

Fargo, OK

May, OK

Woodward, OK

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews