Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by preserving markers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers nearly a three-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp comprises 100mg, which is the prime sample amount for screenings and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It’s recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This phase involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary and swift examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal validity. Presumptive positive results in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and utilized for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
To confirm positive screening outcomes, the process employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Lamar, OK, the advantages of hair testing become evident. Hair tests are notably more accurate and reliable, with a longer detection window than conventional urine tests. With hair testing, it’s easier to get a consistent, conclusive picture of substance use, crucial for situations where substance use detection accuracy is key.
Hair follicle testing in Lamar, OK, offers an extended detection period, up to 90 days. This longer detection window allows employers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. Such extensive insight is vital for making informed employment decisions, setting hair testing apart from shorter-term testing methods.
In Lamar, OK, hair follicle tests are an excellent choice for reducing the chance of sample adulteration. Due to their nature, hair tests are nearly impossible to tamper with. This ensures that the results are reliable and authentic, providing a trustworthy testing option for those who require unquestionable test outcomes.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Lamar, OK. This extensive network ensures quick, hassle-free access to drug testing services, offering clients ease and accessibility wherever they may be. The seamless availability of our services stands as a testament to our commitment to convenience.
Our process in Lamar, OK, for hair follicle testing is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From placing an order to obtaining results, every step is streamlined to protect privacy. Ease of use, combined with secure processes, ensures clients receive their results confidentially and without stress.
In Lamar, OK, we pride ourselves on delivering hair follicle drug tests with competitive pricing and rapid result times. Businesses of various sizes can benefit from our affordable rates, paired with a swift turnaround. This provides significant value and alleviates concerns related to high costs or prolonged waiting periods.
In Lamar, OK, we provide hair follicle tests renowned for their speed, accuracy, and reliability. These tests deliver precise results by capturing a detailed timeline of an individual's substance use. The quick processing times augment the high accuracy, offering dependable insights quickly. This makes them an indispensable tool for employers in need of fast and reliable drug test results.
For employers in Lamar, OK, the implementation of hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces potential legal liabilities but also enhances overall workplace safety. With unwavering accurate results, employers can maintain peace of mind while ensuring regulatory compliance.
