Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it provides a detection window of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG screenings, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent measure of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the sample's initial incorporation into the laboratory’s system. This process involves ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While this stage is a cost-effective measure to eliminate the possibility of drug usage in most samples, it necessitates a confirming test for any sample yielding a positive result to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening require follow-up confirmation.
For a sample that tests positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notoriously challenging.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as appropriate. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair credential and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Tests often labeled as "hair follicle tests" actually evaluate the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Lawton, OK include superior detection accuracy and dependability.
Hair tests cover a broader detection window, often up to 90 days, uncovering a comprehensive history of substance use compared to urine tests.
Hair follicle tests are more challenging to falsify, enhancing trust in the outcomes. This reliability is crucial for employers dedicated to maintaining a safe workplace.
In Lawton, OK, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection period, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
The testing can reveal drug use information spanning three months, offering a deeper insight into past behavior compared to short-term urine tests.
This extensive detection window enables employers to better assess potential hires or monitor existing employees, contributing to a safer and more compliant work environment.
Hair follicle testing in Lawton, OK is highly tamper-resistant, significantly lowering the chances of sample manipulation.
The observed collection process minimizes opportunities for adulteration, making it a reliable method for accurate results.
By reducing the risk of tampering, these tests offer undeniable certainty, supporting businesses in maintaining integrity and trustworthiness in their drug testing regimes.
Accessible nationwide, including in Lawton, OK, our testing centers offer convenience and flexibility for your drug testing needs.
Ensuring straightforward and efficient services, we deliver hassle-free and prompt testing experiences across various locations.
Local availability coupled with nationwide reach guarantees that employers and individuals alike can locate testing facilities without difficulty, streamlining the entire process.
In Lawton, OK, our drug testing process is straightforward yet confidential, ensuring users' privacy and ease of use.
Ordering, conducting, and receiving test results is simplified, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality.
The uncomplicated process ensures a smooth user experience, aligning with the privacy expectations of individuals and employers alike, promoting trust in our services.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times in Lawton, OK, our services deliver excellent value to businesses of all sizes.
Affordable testing options make it accessible to a wide range of companies, supporting efficient budgeting while maintaining quality.
The prompt delivery of results, combined with reasonable costs, makes our services appealing to those seeking reliable and cost-effective testing solutions.
In Lawton, OK, the precision and promptness of hair follicle drug screenings stand out, ensuring swift and accurate detection of substance use.
Hair follicle tests are celebrated for their impressive precision, effortlessly identifying a wide array of substances, unlike other traditional methods.
The accuracy of these tests is unrivaled, providing dependable results. This makes them a preferred choice for businesses aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.
The quick turnaround time ensures that results are available rapidly, streamlining decision-making processes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Lawton, OK ensures workplace compliance with drug-free policies, providing peace of mind for employers.
It mitigates legal risks, helping companies adhere to regulations, thereby maintaining a safe and conducive working environment.
With long-lasting and accurate detection, this testing method bolsters workplace safety, strengthening compliance efforts and preserving organizational integrity.
