Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The detection of drug and alcohol consumption has embraced hair testing as an effective method. Hair accumulates biomarkers within the fiber of the strand as it grows, offering an extended history of substance use. If sampled near the scalp, hair allows for a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) adjoining the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, and body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing drug tests in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial stage of handling a sample within the lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample was shipped and sealed correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be validated legally. Samples that appear positive during Screening need to undergo another confirmation stage.
For samples tentatively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a lesser concentration compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The end-to-end laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
When compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides numerous advantages. In Hardesty, OK, this method is lauded for its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a comprehensive analysis, reduce uncertainty, and present undeniable results.
The detection window for hair follicle testing far exceeds that of urine, providing a more detailed look into an individual's substance use history. This advantage makes hair testing a preferred choice for increased accuracy and reliability.
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window, up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive overview of an employee's or applicant's drug use history. In Hardesty, OK, this long-term detection is key for employers seeking detailed insights.
Employers benefit from understanding an individual's drug usage over time, rather than just recent consumption. This wider window positions hair follicle testing as an invaluable tool in the decision-making process.
The risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Hardesty, OK, ensuring more reliable results. This testing method secures the sample integrity, leaving little room for adulteration or falsification.
Its robust nature allows for unquestionable analysis, holding individuals accountable and providing peace of mind to organizations that demand accuracy and trust in their results.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient access to testing services with its nationwide centers. In Hardesty, OK, local facilities are readily available, making the testing process efficient and hassle-free for all involved.
The ease of access to numerous locations enables quick scheduling, reducing the time and effort required for obtaining hair follicle tests and ensuring individuals can complete the process without unnecessary delays.
The process of procuring, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle testing results in Hardesty, OK, is both simple and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes privacy and smooth user experiences, making each step straightforward and secure.
From ordering the test to obtaining results, confidentiality is assured, addressing privacy concerns and facilitating ease of use for individuals seeking substance testing without undue exposure or complexity.
Accredited Drug Testing offers hair follicle testing in Hardesty, OK, at competitive prices, ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Fast turnaround times accompany cost-effective options, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
This balance of affordability and efficiency ensures companies can access reliable drug testing without excessive financial burden, reinforcing peace of mind through smart financial decisions in workplace safety practices.
Hair follicle testing in Hardesty, OK, sets the standard with its speed and accuracy, delivering fast, dependable results. The high precision of this testing method ensures precise detection of substance use, giving employers confidence in the data provided.
The process is designed to yield quick results without compromising data fidelity, allowing for timely decision-making based on accurate test outcomes. With hair follicle testing, businesses and individuals can count on receiving results that reflect true substance use.
Hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Hardesty, OK, promoting legal adherence and safety. It is an essential tool for businesses looking to minimize legal risks and maintain a secure working environment.
Offering peace of mind, this testing method guarantees employers adhere to regulations, fostering a culture of responsibility and reducing potential liabilities related to workplace substance abuse.
