Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers up to around a 3-month detection period for substances. The collection process is straightforward, with low susceptibility to tampering, and convenient shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) at the base of the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advisable. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial input of a sample into the lab's system. This stage ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional data not available through an electronic chain of custody system is entered.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples suspected to be positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is collected from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any samples preliminarily positive are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kenton, OK
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in detecting drug use due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may be effective for recent use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive screening over time, strengthening policy compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Kenton, OK
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, allowing for the identification of drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This gives employers an in-depth look into an individual’s substance use history, enhancing the screening process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kenton, OK
The integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched due to its resistance to tampering. This method secures reliable results, offering unquestionable outcomes that prevent sample adulteration and ensure authenticity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kenton, OK
Our broad network of testing centers provides easy access to drug testing services nationwide. Residents of Kenton, OK, benefit from local testing locations that ensure a quick, hassle-free process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kenton, OK
We prioritize simplicity and confidentiality in our testing services. The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving results is designed to be straightforward and secure, protecting users' privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kenton, OK
Our testing services feature competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, catering to companies of all sizes by providing excellent value and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kenton, OK
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. This method of testing provides high accuracy in identifying substance use, freeing employers from concerns about reliability and ensuring trust in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kenton, OK
Implementing hair follicle testing can greatly enhance workplace safety by ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. This reduces legal risks and elevates peace of mind, supporting a secure work environment.
