Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When clipped near to the scalp, hair can reveal about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair alone. Body hair applies to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases involved in the lab processing of a drug testing result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial treatment of a sample within a lab's framework. This includes confirming the sample was sealed and sent correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishing any supplementary data entry not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use on most samples, a positive screen has to be validated to be permissible in legal situations. Any samples that are presumably positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a much lesser concentration compared to other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the hardest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the testing process examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Herd, OK
The advantages of hair analysis over traditional urine tests include superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair testing captures a wider window of substance use, offering insights into long-term consumption patterns that urine tests might miss. Their ability to detect drug usage over months rather than days ensures a more comprehensive overview.
Extended Detection Window in Herd, OK
Hair follicle drug testing is recognized for its extended detection window of up to 90 days.
This feature allows employers to gain a broader perspective on an individual's history of substance use, as it accounts for prolonged drug usage rather than recent activity, enhancing hiring and monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Herd, OK
The integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched due to its tamper-resistant qualities.
This method ensures that samples reflect genuine drug use, minimizing the risk of adulteration and manipulation that some methods are vulnerable to, thus delivering dependable, indisputable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Herd, OK
Our vast network of testing centers across the nation, including Herd, OK, ensures accessible drug testing services.
The convenience and simplicity of these sites allow for a quick, straightforward testing experience, accommodating individuals' and businesses' diverse needs in a hassle-free manner.
Simple, Confidential Process in Herd, OK
The process of scheduling and completing a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and confidential.
From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing users' concerns and ensuring a smooth experience free of complications.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Herd, OK
Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with quick turnaround times, offer unparalleled value to businesses.
We ensure that organizations, regardless of size, can benefit from cost-effective hair follicle testing services without compromising on speed or accuracy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Herd, OK
When it comes to drug testing, the precision and speed of hair follicle analyses stand out.
These tests are known for effectively identifying substance usage with high degrees of accuracy. Incorporating advanced technology, hair testing quickly and reliably provides results, making it a trusted choice for both individuals and organizations seeking certainty in their screenings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Herd, OK
Employers opting for hair follicle testing boost adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
By reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety measures, this testing method offers peace of mind, reassuring employers of a proficient strategy to maintain a secure, productive environment.
