Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to alter, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in processing a drug test specimen in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This involves checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid test for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair using a concentration lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Keys, OK, hair testing boasts distinct advantages. The superior detection window of up to 90 days provides a more comprehensive assessment of an individual’s substance history, enhancing reliability and accuracy. Whilst urine tests remain common, hair testing surpasses them in providing thorough and tamper-resistant results.
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period, reaching up to 90 days, in Keys, OK. This broader window allows for a more thorough insight into a person’s history with substances, giving employers a detailed perspective of an applicant or employee’s past behavior. The extended timeframe aids in making well-informed, strategic employment decisions.
In Keys, OK, hair follicle tests significantly diminish the potential for sample tampering, ensuring credible outcomes. The stringent collection procedures contribute to meeting the demands for reliability and integrity. By opting for hair testing, organizations can trust in the accuracy and unchallengeable nature of the results they receive.
Our nationwide testing centers, including locations in Keys, OK, offer a convenient solution for drug testing needs. With easily accessible, hassle-free services readily available, individuals and companies can promptly complete testing without unnecessary delays or complications, contributing to a smooth and efficient process for all parties involved.
The process for arranging hair follicle testing in Keys, OK is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, privacy is upheld throughout, ensuring a smooth experience. This simplicity addresses confidentiality concerns while maintaining ease of access for anyone requiring such services.
In Keys, OK, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times deliver excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Affordable hair follicle testing services ensure that enterprises can access state-of-the-art testing without incurring exorbitant costs, providing comfort and fiscal advantage along with high-quality outcomes.
The swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Keys, OK ensure high accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests stand out due to their unparalleled reliability and quick turnaround time, which is crucial for employers and individuals seeking definitive results. Hair testing can decisively detect a wide array of substances, enabling confident decision-making.
Employers in Keys, OK benefit from compliance and peace of mind by adopting hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and promoting a safer working environment. It aids in assuring that organizational procedures are followed, safeguarding both employees and the corporate structure.