Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant means for detecting drugs and alcohol. The fibers in growing hair strands entrap biomarkers, providing a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption. When sourced near the scalp, it offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs extending to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, about 200 strands in size (equivalent to a #2 pencil), and close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. Should scalp hair be insufficient, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, samples are initially entered into the lab system, ensuring they are properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data not accessible through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a swift initial examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is an affordable method to exclude drug usage in the majority of cases, court acceptance necessitates confirming a positive screen. Samples flagged as tentatively positive will require follow-up confirmation.
When a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, a portion of hair is extracted anew from the initial sample for Extraction. This process retrieves drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair testing as the most intricate methodology.
Using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, Confirmation verifies all positive screening outcomes. Prior to confirmation, any tentatively positive samples are washed when necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in McLoud, OK, outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. Longer detection windows allow for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history.
Compared to urine tests, hair tests exhibit better reliability, capturing evidence of drug use over an extended period, making them a preferred choice for many organizations.
In McLoud, OK, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This time frame is valuable for employers seeking an in-depth look into an individual's drug use history.
The ability to detect substances over a longer period ensures that employers have a complete and accurate view of the applicant or employee's substance use patterns.
McLoud, OK's hair follicle tests boast a tamper-resistant approach, reducing the likelihood of sample manipulation. This method provides employers with credible and trustworthy results.
Due to the difficulty in adulterating hair samples, hair testing is a reliable choice for obtaining accurate drug use assessments, minimizing the risk of cheating.
In McLoud, OK, and beyond, our widespread testing locations provide convenient access to drug testing services. Nationwide centers ensure a smooth and hassle-free testing experience.
The availability of multiple testing sites allows for quick and easy scheduling, making the process user-friendly for everyone involved.
In McLoud, OK, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed to ensure customer comfort.
This streamlined procedure is designed with user convenience in mind, making it accessible and straightforward for individuals seeking testing.
Our services in McLoud, OK, offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses seeking drug testing solutions.
The competitive pricing, combined with efficient processing, ensures that companies of all sizes can enjoy high-quality testing without financial strain.
In McLoud, OK, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate results. This method ensures high precision in identifying recent drug use, providing reliable data for decision-making.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing is evident in its ability to deliver results swiftly without compromising accuracy. This swiftness benefits employers who require timely insights into substance use.
Employers in McLoud, OK, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies and enhances safety standards.
Utilizing hair follicle tests reduces legal risks, ensuring adherence to company regulations and providing a secure working environment.