Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly valued for its efficacy in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Over time, hair embeds markers within its fibers, offering an extensive record of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, it can indicate alcohol and drug presence for roughly a three-month period. Hair samples are easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional testing, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Note that 'head hair' specifically pertains to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test outcome in a lab encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample is appropriately sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not handled by electronic chain of custody processes.
The Screening phase conducts a preliminary check for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, outcomes showing potential positivity must be validated for court eligibility. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at diminished concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Every positive result from screening undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation, as required. The entire lab course, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is considerably superior to urine screening in Hall Park, OK. Its long detection window and resistance to manipulation provide a more accurate depiction of drug use over time. While urine tests may detect substances used recently, hair tests offer an in-depth view, making them a preferred choice for many stakeholders.
In Hall Park, OK, hair follicle testing captures a longer history of drug use, up to 90 days. This expanded detection period allows employers to gain a deeper insight into an individual’s substance habits, crucial for making informed decisions regarding employment and ensuring a safe workplace.
Hair follicle testing boasts a robust defense against tampering, a significant advantage in Hall Park, OK. Its methodology lessens the chance of altering results, offering reliability and confidence in the outcomes provided. This integrity is vital for both legal and professional scenarios requiring indisputable evidence.
Convenience is key, and our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Hall Park, OK, makes accessing testing services a breeze. This widespread availability ensures fast, uncomplicated service wherever you are, facilitating a seamless experience for all your testing needs.
In Hall Park, OK, ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests is a straightforward and private procedure. Our streamlined process ensures that privacy is respected every step of the way, from request to result receipt, alleviating any concerns about confidentiality in drug testing.
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround in Hall Park, OK, make hair follicle testing an economical choice for businesses of all sizes. The value offered ensures that even with tight budgets, companies receive reliable testing results without compromise.
In Hall Park, OK, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed, accuracy, and dependability. Their precision in identifying substance use is unparalleled, offering clear and robust results. Such reliability ensures that individuals and employers can trust the outcomes, enhancing the credibility of drug screening processes.
Employers in Hall Park, OK, benefit immensely from using hair follicle testing. By aligning with drug-free workplace policies, these tests not only ensure compliance but also mitigate legal risks. This adherence fosters a safer working environment, bringing peace of mind to both employers and employees.
