Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair strand analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands offer an extensive record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present a scrutiny span of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For tests using EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is lacking, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result incorporates four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This comprises ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAB Accessioning Number, and finalizing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be substantiated to be permissible in legal situations. All samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Any positive screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Over Urine Testing?
In Oakwood, OK, hair testing surpasses urine tests by providing extended detection and superior accuracy. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests present a more extended drug history, ideal for thorough assessments. This makes hair testing a reliable choice for discerning drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Capabilities
Hair follicle tests in Oakwood, OK, can trace substance use up to 90 days. This long detection window enables employers to gain a full understanding of an individual's substance use over time. Hair tests present a comprehensive view, benefiting both pre-employment and ongoing employee evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Drug Testing
Hair follicle tests offer enhanced security against tampering. In Oakwood, OK, they virtually eliminate the risk of adulteration, delivering trustworthy results. This makes hair testing an essential tool for environments where accuracy and integrity are paramount.
Nationwide and Local Testing Convenience
In Oakwood, OK, and across the nation, our testing centers facilitate convenient access to services. With widespread locations, both employers and individuals find obtaining a test straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring managed testing processes wherever needed.
Confidential and Easy Testing Process
Our simple and discreet hair testing process in Oakwood, OK, prioritizes privacy. Ordering, conducting, and retrieving test results is user-friendly and secure, assuring confidentiality while catering to personal and corporate needs.
Affordable and Quick Testing
In Oakwood, OK, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Designed to provide excellent value, these tests deliver critical insights promptly, proving beneficial for businesses across various scales looking for cost-effective solutions.
Fast and Precise Results in Oakwood, OK
The hair follicle test offers a rapid, reliable means to detect drug use. In Oakwood, OK, individuals and businesses can rely on its precision and efficiency. Unlike other methods, it delivers accurate results swiftly, ensuring the high standards needed for effective testing.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
For employers in Oakwood, OK, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by supporting drug-free policies. Its implementation helps meet compliance obligations, reducing legal risks and elevating workplace safety. It's a strategic asset for maintaining regulatory and safety standards.
