Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a repository for long-term drug and alcohol history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer up to roughly a three-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is also recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. The term ‘head hair’ specifically denotes scalp hair, while ‘body hair’ refers to all other types of hair (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core steps in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data inputs not present in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial expedient check for abusive drugs. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed to be valid in a legal context. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in Screening, more hair from the original sample is retrieved and prepped for Extraction. During the Extraction process, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those in other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is one reason hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are preliminarily positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests," this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
In Mill Creek, OK, hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over urine tests.
One primary advantage is the extended detection timeframe.
Also, the high accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice.
Employers prefer hair follicle testing in Mill Creek, OK for its extended detection window.
Hair tests can reveal drug use history for up to 90 days.
This allows a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
Hair follicle tests in Mill Creek, OK diminish the risk of tampering effectively.
Samples cannot easily be altered or substituted.
This method ensures unquestionable and reliable results.
Convenience is key with our broad network of testing centers in Mill Creek, OK.
Nationwide locations guarantee easy and fast access to testing services.
This accessibility ensures a hassle-free experience.
In Mill Creek, OK, the hair testing process is designed to be simple and confidential.
Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward.
Privacy concerns are addressed effectively.
Affordable pricing in Mill Creek, OK coupled with fast turnaround times.
Our pricing structure offers excellent value.
Solutions are tailored for businesses of all sizes.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing are unmatched in Mill Creek, OK.
Tests are well-known for their high accuracy in detecting substance use.
Ensuring reliable results, these tests provide peace of mind for both employers and individuals.
Compliance is crucial for employers in Mill Creek, OK.
Hair follicle testing reduces legal risks while enhancing safety.
Employers benefit from knowing they’re in line with drug-free policies.
