Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures long-term substance use history by encapsulating biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it offers a detection period of roughly three months for substances. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and shipping is uncomplicated.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s diameter) near the scalp generates 100 mg of hair, which is considered the optimal amount for initial screening and validation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding ten, a 150 mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen accurately. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The comprehensive laboratory approach of evaluating a drug test sample includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a sample upon entering a lab’s system. This stage ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input not captured through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial and rapid evaluation for potential drug presence. Although Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed result is needed for court acceptability. Any samples marking positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
A presumptive positive sample in the Screening phase will require additional hair from the specimen to proceed to Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening uniquely challenging.
Positive screenings undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are subjected to washing pre-confirmation as necessary. The laboratory’s procedure covering Accessioning to Confirmation is legitimately audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known as "hair follicle tests" colloquially, the actual analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle itself situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Maud, OK
The advantages of hair testing over standard urine tests are clear. This advanced method offers superior accuracy and reliability in substance detection. While urine tests may detect recent drug use, hair analysis provides a comprehensive overview due to its longer detection window, making it invaluable for employers aiming to maintain stringent drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Maud, OK
In Maud, OK, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection capabilities, reaching up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to assess a more complete history of an individual's substance use, offering a detailed view that traditional methods cannot match. This ensures a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's past drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Maud, OK
The strength of hair follicle testing in Maud, OK, lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, it significantly reduces the chances of sample alteration. This ensures the results obtained are not only reliable but also indisputable, providing a level of assurance that is unmatched in drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Maud, OK
Testing in Maud, OK, is made easy with the accessibility of nationwide centers, including local options. This widespread availability ensures quick and hassle-free testing services, offering convenience and efficiency to all participants in need of testing, irrespective of their location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Maud, OK
Our hair follicle testing process in Maud, OK, is not only simple but also confidential. The steps from ordering to receiving results prioritize privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns over personal data security, while ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Maud, OK
Maud, OK, offers competitively priced hair follicle testing with swift turnaround times, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes. This ensures that businesses can maintain high standards without overwhelming costs, delivering peace of mind and efficient service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Maud, OK
Hair follicle drug testing in Maud, OK, is celebrated for its speed and precision. The technique ensures not just quick results but also high accuracy in identifying substance use. This method surpasses traditional testing, offering peace of mind with its reliable outcomes and swift service, leaving no room for doubt.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Maud, OK
Employers in Maud, OK, can benefit greatly from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risk and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind that their work environment is maintained free of substance abuse.