Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When harvested near the scalp, this can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, it is advised to obtain 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unattainable, the same amount of body hair can be used instead. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other hair varieties (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial enrollment of a sample into a lab's process. This incorporates verifying that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input not provided by an electronic custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug involvement in most samples, a positive screen needs validation for court acceptability. Samples marked presumptively positive during Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample is marked presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug screening a more challenging technique.
Any positive screen result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is washed before they are confirmed if necessary. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is undertaken in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and excludes the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Northwest Comanche, OK, the advantages of hair testing outshine traditional urine tests. Hair tests detect drug use over a far extended timeframe, unlike the short window for urine. This ensures a more accurate reflection of an individual's substance history. Moreover, hair testing is less prone to tampering, bolstering its credibility and efficacy for employers and authorities alike.
Hair testing stands out for its extended detection window, crucial in Northwest Comanche, OK. Able to identify drug use up to 90 days back, it offers employers a thorough insight into an individual’s substance habits. This lengthy detection span surpasses that of urine tests, making hair testing a powerful tool for gaining a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Northwest Comanche, OK, is highly tamper-resistant, providing strong assurance of test validity. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are not easily substituted or altered, ensuring that the test results remain uncontested. This reliability secures the trust of employers and judicial systems searching for authentic substance use assessments.
The convenience of nationwide and local locations enhances the accessibility of hair drug testing in Northwest Comanche, OK. Accredited Drug Testing centers are strategically placed for easy, quick, and stress-free testing visits. This extensive network ensures timely access to services, vital for individuals and employers needing prompt test execution.
In Northwest Comanche, OK, the process for hair testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result retrieval, clients experience a seamless journey that prioritizes privacy. This ease of use addresses any concerns clients may have about discretion, allowing them to utilize testing services without worry.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair testing in Northwest Comanche, OK, provides excellent value. Competitive pricing models make it accessible for companies of varying sizes, while quick result delivery ensures that decisions based on substance assessments are timely, further enhancing organizational peace of mind.
Hair follicle tests offer speed and precision in Northwest Comanche, OK, ensuring timely and correct detection of substance use. Their high accuracy rates make them invaluable, minimizing false negatives or positives. Recipients receive swift results, facilitated by advanced testing protocols, underscoring the reliability of hair tests in various settings, from workplaces to legal environments.
Employers in Northwest Comanche, OK, achieve peace and compliance with workplace drug policies through hair testing. It diminishes legal risks and promotes safety by ensuring adherence to drug-free standards. This proactive approach not only benefits the organization legally but also fosters a safer, more productive working environment.
