Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Analyzing hair has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record keeper of drugs and alcohol by embedding markers within the hair strand as it develops. When cut next to the scalp, hair can deliver a detection timeline of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for sample weighing is recommended. If head hair is absent, a similar mass of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial hair, underarm hair, etc.).
Process Summary
The drug test result analysis in a lab entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is logged into a lab's system. This step checks the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary test looking for illicit drugs. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use for most samples, a verified positive result is essential for courtroom admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This phase extracts drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, illustrating why hair drug screening is the most challenging procedure to perform.
Confirmation for any screening positives employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Excels: In North Tulsa, OK, companies find hair follicle tests superior to urine tests. The primary advantage is a wider detection window, capturing drug use over several months rather than a brief period. It adds layers of credibility to the screening process, reducing the likelihood of evasion, and assuring companies of the applicant or employee's honest history.
The accuracy of hair testing exceeds that of traditional methods, providing fewer false positives. This reliability strengthens the foundation of drug policies in workplaces that strictly enforce zero-tolerance rules. Courts and probation officers also benefit from the thorough timelines hair tests disclose, reinforcing their role in legal and corrective measures.
Extended Insight: One remarkable aspect of hair follicle testing is the elongated detection period, extending up to 90 days. This grants employers in North Tulsa, OK, an exceptional vantage point in assessing a candidate's or employee's history of substance use. This expanded window allows for a more thorough understanding of past behavior, crucial for maintaining a substance-free workplace.
By covering a longer duration, hair tests provide a richer context than methods with shorter spans. Employers better grasp patterns of behavior, aiding in more informed decision-making. They cultivate a deeper awareness of consistency in an individual's lifestyle choices, buffering operations from unexpected risks.
Dependable Results: In North Tulsa, OK, one of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is the significant reduction in the possibility of tampering. The method is inherently tamper-resistant due to the nature of hair samples, which cannot be stripped or altered like other specimens. This creates assured reliability in the results for those who depend on unambiguous data.
With hair testing, adulteration and sample substitution present genuine challenges to avoid, essentially rendering those attempting to deceive ineffective. Employers can confidently trust the integrity of the tests, knowing they receive honest information about their workforce, which bolsters workplace safety policies.
Accessibility and Convenience: Accredited Drug Testing offers nationwide coverage, including strategic locations in North Tulsa, OK. The widespread presence of our testing centers guarantees swift and straightforward access to hair follicle drug testing services, emphasizing ease and speed for both local clientele and those across the country.
Employers and individuals benefit from the expansive reach of our facilities, ensuring that testing is only a short distance from their home or workplace. This accessibility supports hassle-free scheduling and rapid deployment of services, enhancing the efficiency of the drug testing process.
Streamlined Procedures: Hair follicle testing through Accredited Drug Testing in North Tulsa, OK, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Our process for scheduling, conducting, and receiving drug test results is uncomplicated, ensuring individuals and employers face minimal difficulty and maximum privacy in every phase.
With secure handling and confidential communication of results, we guarantee privacy is upheld throughout. This eases concerns about data security and fosters trust in our ability to manage important information sensitively, supporting a seamless, respectful testing experience.
Value and Speed: In North Tulsa, OK, we provide hair follicle tests with competitive pricing structures that cater to organizations of all sizes. This affordability is paired with prompt result generation, delivering superior value to businesses conscientious about their budget without compromising on the quality or reliability of outcomes.
Fast turnaround times complement the cost-effectiveness, ensuring that employers receive crucial testing information without delay. This dynamic allows companies to maintain their pace while adhering to drug-free policies, emphasizing economic efficiency and thoroughness.
Speed and Precision: Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results in North Tulsa, OK. The analysis processes these samples swiftly without sacrificing reliability, offering unbeatable accuracy in identifying substance use. This means employees and applicants receive timely feedback about their status, supporting quick decision-making in the hiring process.
Employers value the accuracy of hair testing, as it unveils a comprehensive picture of substance use. This meticulous method surfaces traces others might miss, guaranteeing certainty for those relying on the outcomes to maintain the integrity of their workforce. North Tulsa businesses can trust the results are both quick and trustworthy.
Compliance Confidence: Utilizing hair follicle tests in North Tulsa, OK, offers employers peace of mind by supporting conformity with drug-free workplace mandates. These tests underpin legal compliance and reinforce policies designed to eliminate drug presence in occupational environments, reducing the risk of breaches or liability.
Having a clear, documented approach through hair testing ensures that company standards align with regulatory demands, providing added security against legal confrontations. By solidifying a commitment to a toxin-free workplace, companies fortify both their reputation and operational safety.
