Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Oakland, OK

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of hair strands capture biomarkers, offering an extended overview of alcohol and drug presence. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate up to about a 3-month period of drug and alcohol use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimum sample size for assessment and validation. For EtG, supplementary testing, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for measuring the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing for a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's system. It entails ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary review for drug misuse. While cost-effective for generally excluding drug usage across many samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be admissible legally. Any samples suggestively positive in Screening require further confirmation.

For samples showing presumed positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial collection for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging process to execute.

Confirmation of positive screening results is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples needing confirmation are washed beforehand. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests detect drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a briefer detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It is exceptionally difficult to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Yields historic data: Provides a pattern of drug use over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: It usually takes 5-7 days before drugs are detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly compared to other drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth variations may influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Commonly termed “hair follicle tests”, the analysis concerns the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Oakland, OK, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are clear. Higher accuracy and reliability in detection make hair tests a superior option for uncovering long-term usage patterns. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a broader window of detection, allowing for a more comprehensive view of a subject's drug history and preventing potential manipulation of results.

• Provides a more extensive detection window.
• Minimizes chances of tampering or false results.
• Ensures higher reliability over traditional methods.

Extended Detection Window

Offering an extended detection window is a cornerstone of hair follicle testing in Oakland, OK. Unlike other methods, hair tests can track drug use over a significant period, typically up to 90 days. This extended coverage allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance history, enabling informed decision-making and promoting a safer, drug-free environment.

• Detection period up to 90 days.
• Comprehensive analysis of substance history.
• Useful for informed hiring decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Oakland, OK, provides a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening needs. The nature of the hair test means that samples are incredibly difficult to adulterate or substitute, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This method bolsters the integrity of the testing process and assures employers of the accuracy of the results they receive.

• Reduces potential for sample tampering.
• Provides unquestionable accuracy.
• Assures reliability and integrity of results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is key with Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide locations, including those in Oakland, OK. Our comprehensive network ensures that testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free, whether you're local or accessing our vast national infrastructure. Choose us for seamless access to reliable drug testing, wherever you are.

• Extensive nationwide network.
• Easy access to testing facilities.
• Smooth and efficient testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Oakland, OK, offers a simple and confidential process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results. We prioritize privacy and ease of use, ensuring that customers can confidently and securely manage their testing needs. From scheduling to results, the process is designed to be user-friendly and discreet.

• Effortless ordering and testing procedures.
• Maintains full confidentiality.
• Designed for user-friendly experiences.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Oakland, OK, Accredited Drug Testing stands out for its affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to offer excellent value, ensuring cost-effective solutions for businesses of any size. Coupled with rapid results, clients can expect efficient operations and peace of mind with every test.

• Competitive pricing for all budgets.
• Quick turnaround ensures minimal waiting.
• Excellent value with efficient response times.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Oakland, OK, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed in delivering results. Whether you need quick answers or thorough scrutiny, these tests provide accuracy in detecting substances, offering a reliable choice in drug screening. With every analyzed sample, you receive dependable outcomes that meet rigorous testing standards, ensuring you're informed with fast, accurate data.

• Precise results without delays.
• Reliable in detecting a wide array of substances.
• Aligns with the highest testing accuracy standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Oakland, OK, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a secure workplace. By opting for hair tests, companies can effectively enforce their policy frameworks, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment.

• Ensures compliance with drug-free policies.
• Reduces potential legal risks.
• Enhances workplace safety and security.

Drug Testing Near Oakland, OK

South Marshall, OK

Tishomingo, OK

Cumberland, OK

Powell, OK

Lebanon, OK

Ravia, OK

Kingston, OK

Mannsville, OK

Marshall, OK

North Marshall, OK

Antioch, OK

Madill, OK

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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