Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month history of alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to falsify, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hairs (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG or more extensive panels above ten drugs, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to determine the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process of drug testing consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample has been properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial test to check for drug abuse. While it's an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive Screening result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods such as urine or oral fluid, which presents a greater challenge in hair drug screening.
For confirmation of any positive screening result, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. Samples that test as presumptive positive undergo washing if needed before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When comparing traditional urine tests with hair follicle testing in Northwest Pittsburg, OK, the latter emerges as superior due to its enhanced accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide an extensive detection period, outperforming urine tests.
The hair follicle method not only surpasses urine tests in detection duration but also offers a more reliable reflection of an individual's drug use history, making it the preferred choice for many.
Northwest Pittsburg, OK's hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use history for up to 90 days. This extended detection period offers a wider view of an individual's substance use compared to other methods.
Such a comprehensive detection period aids employers in painting a full picture of a potential or current employee's drug use, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
In Northwest Pittsburg, OK, hair follicle testing significantly limits the potential for tampering, ensuring the integrity of test results. This method minimizes the risk of adulteration, making it a reliable choice.
With hair tests, the opportunity for substitution or dilution is vastly reduced compared to other testing methods, providing trustworthy and accurate outcomes.
The presence of nationwide testing centers, including local options in Northwest Pittsburg, OK, guarantees hassle-free access for those requiring drug testing services.
Our diverse network of locations ensures rapid and convenient testing availability, with locations strategically placed for easy accessibility across various regions.
In Northwest Pittsburg, OK, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes your privacy and ease of use.
We ensure that our procedures remain efficient and discreet, addressing common concerns surrounding confidentiality and simplifying the testing experience.
Competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times are hallmark features of hair follicle testing in Northwest Pittsburg, OK, offering substantial value for businesses of every size.
The combination of affordable costs and rapid results provides companies with quality service and peace of mind, making it an attractive option for workplace testing strategies.
In Northwest Pittsburg, OK, hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise results, standing out as one of the most dependable methods for substance detection. These tests offer high accuracy in identifying drug use, providing fast outcomes without compromising reliability.
The advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to offer rapid results while ensuring accuracy. Each test is meticulously conducted to uphold high standards in detecting substance use effectively.
Adopting hair follicle testing as part of your Northwest Pittsburg, OK workplace strategy supports compliance with drug-free policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal complications.
For employers, this method not only provides reassurance of maintaining a safe environment but also aids in upholding standards that protect the workforce and the business overall.
