Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 strands of hair (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair variations (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming the sample was securely sealed and sent properly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach for ruling out drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in court. Any samples that show initial positive results in Screening do require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed prior to confirmation where necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests against traditional urine tests in Joy, OK, the benefits are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy, extending over months rather than days. This method provides reliable insight for employers, decreasing the chance of false negatives and enhancing workplace safety.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Joy, OK is the extended detection period, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This comprehensive window provides employers with a thorough perspective on an individual's substance habits, far exceeding the capabilities of urine testing.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Joy, OK present a tamper-resistant option that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This method of testing ensures results that are dependable and credible, making it an ideal solution for accurate substance use detection.
Convenience is key with our nationwide network of hair drug testing centers, including local spots in Joy, OK. Whether you’re nearby or across the country, accessing our services is a seamless and trouble-free experience, removing the hassles typically associated with drug testing.
The process of hair drug testing in Joy, OK is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns people may have about maintaining confidentiality throughout the testing journey.
Joy, OK benefits from affordable pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates and quick processing deliver exceptional value, catering to companies of various sizes, while providing the assurance of timely and reliable results.
Hair follicle drug testing in Joy, OK offers unparalleled precision and speed, ensuring results you can trust. The tests are highly reliable, capable of tracking even low-frequency substance use with outstanding accuracy. With rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing is an excellent choice for detecting substance use with little delay.
Employers in Joy, OK can experience peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This approach reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, ensuring that employer expectations align with employee substance use behaviors.