Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The process of hair testing is recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term profile of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When gathered from near the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month detection period for identifying alcohol and drug use. It is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A standard 1.5-inch sample, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is best to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair forms (such as facial hair, underarm hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of a sample's integration into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for illegal substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed result is essential for legal acceptance. Any samples that initially test positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptively positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and with accreditation based on ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used; however, the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Kiowa, OK, offers substantial advantages over traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy ensures that even low-level substance use is accurately identified. The reliability of hair testing makes it an ideal solution for stringent drug use policies.
Hair follicle testing in Kiowa, OK, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-range capability offers insight into an individual’s substance use history, helping employers make informed decisions.
In Kiowa, OK, hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against sample tampering. This testing method is difficult to adulterate, ensuring the results are trustworthy and accurate. Employers can rely on these results with confidence.
Our testing centers in Kiowa, OK and throughout the nation provide convenient access to testing services. With various locations, clients experience a streamlined process free from hassle.
The process for conducting hair follicle testing in Kiowa, OK, is straightforward and private. From scheduling to receiving results, every step is designed to be user-friendly and confidential.
Kiowa, OK, offers affordable and competitive pricing for hair follicle drug tests. Combined with fast turnaround times, our services are an excellent value for organizations of any size.
In Kiowa, OK, hair follicle testing is recognized for its quick and accurate results. The method is highly precise, offering speed in identifying substance use. Hair follicle tests provide a superior level of reliability, making them a preferred choice for many seeking dependable testing services.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Kiowa, OK, empowers employers to maintain compliance with drug-free policies. Peace of mind is achieved by reducing legal risks and supporting workplace safety through verified substance monitoring.
