Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the developing hair fiber. Collecting hair near the scalp can reveal exposure to substances for up to a 3-month period. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional screenings beyond 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is entered into a lab’s system. This step checks that sealing and shipment were done correctly, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entries not covered by an electronic system.
During Screening, a preliminary assessment for substance abuse is conducted. Although Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive finding requires Confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need further confirmation.
Should the Screening suggest a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screen is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, samples with a presumptive positive result are washed if necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", they analyze the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grant, OK
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer detection period and minimal risk of tampering, hair tests excel in providing a clearer history of substance use. The shift towards this method is notable, offering superior insights compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Grant, OK
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance use history. Employers gain a broader understanding of their applicant's or employee's habits, ensuring a thorough assessment over an extended period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grant, OK
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample adulteration risks, delivering reliable results. This method's design is inherently resistant to tampering, providing outcomes that are both trustworthy and indisputable. These qualities make it a preferred choice for accurate substance use assessment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grant, OK
Enjoy the ease of accessing our testing services with nationwide and local centers. Our widespread presence ensures that hair testing is quick, convenient, and hassle-free. Wherever you are, our network supports your needs efficiently and swiftly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grant, OK
Our straightforward and discreet process for hair follicle testing addresses privacy concerns. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is handled with confidentiality and ease, making it user-friendly while safeguarding personal information throughout the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grant, OK
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effectiveness coupled with quick, reliable results provides employers with confidence in their investment in drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grant, OK
Experience the precision and promptness of hair follicle testing. This method ensures highly accurate results swiftly, effectively detecting substance use. Hair tests are streamlined and deliver reliable outcomes, vital for informed decisions. Emphasizing accuracy and speed, they provide a dependable tool for assessing substance usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grant, OK
Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are maintaining a secure environment, adhering to regulations, and supporting a culture of responsibility.
