Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the new hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp affords 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measurement. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be collected. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary sample processing into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug substances. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive result must be confirmed to stand as evidence in court. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in alternative methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair tests are less susceptible to tampering and provide a clearer picture of substance use history, making them a better choice than urine tests.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Hammon, OK, allows for drug use detection over a much extended timeframe, up to 90 days. This feature gives employers a thorough understanding of potential or current employees' substance habits, ensuring a safer workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The hair follicle test significantly reduces the probability of sample tampering, providing reliable and irrefutable results.
This tamper-resistant nature ensures the integrity of the test outcome, offering peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our nationwide facilities, including multiple testing centers in Hammon, OK, offer unmatched convenience.
This accessibility ensures that companies and individuals have prompt access without disruptions.
Simple, Confidential Process
Experiencing a drug test in Hammon, OK, is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout.
This ensures a seamless experience for all applicants requiring drug testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Hammon-based organizations benefit from our competitive pricing strategies and quick result delivery.
Our rapid response times ensure companies can quickly react to results, maintaining operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Employers in Hammon can trust the efficiency of hair testing to make informed decisions quickly, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Hammon, OK, relying on hair follicle tests can ensure compliance with drug-free policies easily.
By utilizing this robust method, businesses can remain legally compliant while ensuring a drug-free environment.
