Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust approach for identifying narcotics and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair shafts. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a three-month timeframe for the detection of alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for initial screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Scalp hair" specifically denotes head hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s database. This stage verifies the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information entry absent from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires verification for legal admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample preliminarily test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the primary specimen for Extraction. Here, substances are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most complex method to execute.
Validation of any positive screen outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, undergoes assessment under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this testing actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair testing is frequently chosen over conventional urine tests in Lost City, OK.
The main reasons are enhanced accuracy and superior detection capabilities. Hair follicle tests present a significant advantage with their long detection span, offering a holistic view of an individual's drug history while being less prone to tampering.
Hair follicle tests in Lost City, OK, offer an extended detection window for drugs—up to 90 days. This allows employers a comprehensive look into an individual's substance history.
These tests represent a more extensive overview compared to other methods, ensuring businesses can make informed decisions.
Ensuring the authenticity of test results is crucial, and hair follicle tests in Lost City, OK, offer tamper-resistant methods.
These tests significantly reduce the risk of results being compromised, providing outcomes that stakeholders can trust and rely on for crucial decisions.
The convenience of nationwide testing locations, including local availability in Lost City, OK, makes hair follicle drug tests accessible.
With centers throughout the country, testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free, catering to the needs of businesses and individuals alike.
In Lost City, OK, our hair follicle drug testing process is both simple and confidential.
From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step is designed with privacy and ease in mind, ensuring comfort and confidentiality for all participants.
Offering affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times, our drug testing services in Lost City, OK, deliver excellent value.
With competitive prices, businesses of all sizes can ensure comprehensive testing without compromising on quality or reliability.
In Lost City, OK, hair follicle drug tests are known for speed and accuracy.
These tests provide quick and reliable detection of substances, giving employers and individuals the assurance they need. Whether it's for pre-employment checks or ongoing screening, hair testing is a proven method for accurate results.
Employers in Lost City, OK, seeking to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies find peace of mind with hair follicle testing.
These tests enhance workplace safety and reduce legal risks, reflecting an organization's commitment to maintaining a compliant and safe environment.