Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair operates as a long-term archive of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers. When acquired near the scalp, hair offers up to approximately a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or testing surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar amount of body hair is a possible substitute. When discussing head hair, it exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair categories (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps included in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial categorization of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves confirming that the specimen was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial swift check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient tool to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Any specimens that are presumed positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is assumed positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing:
Hair testing in Mounds, OK, stands out compared to traditional urine tests due to its superior detection and reliability. Unlike urine samples, hair offers a longer detection window, capturing drug usage over an extended period. This advantage ensures a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, better aligning with the needs of employers and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window:
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method:
Hair follicle tests substantially minimize the risk of sample tampering, providing consistently reliable and indisputable results in Mounds, OK. The meticulous nature of sample collection, requiring observed procedures, makes it considerably difficult to alter or manipulate, thus assuring integrity and confidence in the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations:
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience with its expansive network of testing centers across the nation and locally in Mounds, OK. This extensive reach ensures swift and smooth test accessibility for clients, eliminating potential hurdles in obtaining testing services and facilitating ease of access for all.
Simple, Confidential Process:
In Mounds, OK, ordering and completing a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes privacy, ensuring the entire process— from scheduling to obtaining results— remains confidential and user-friendly, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround:
Our competitive pricing models make hair follicle testing in Mounds, OK, accessible to businesses of all scales. With quick result delivery, clients enjoy excellent value, reducing wait times and enhancing decision-making processes, ultimately offering both financial and operational peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results:
In Mounds, OK, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. Their robust detection capability provides an accurate reflection of substance use. Known for yielding reliable results, they offer a trustworthy alternative to more traditional testing methods, ensuring quick and effective outcomes for individuals and organizations alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers:
For employers in Mounds, OK, hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method effectively reduces legal liabilities while promoting safety. Recognized for its thorough detection ability, it supports employers in maintaining a compliant and secure environment, fostering a culture of trust and reliability.
