Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Additionally, it is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, an ideal amount for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When we say head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Procedure Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's process. This step checks the secure sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data input not covered by an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen still needs verification for legal acceptability. Any sample flagged as presumptively positive during Screening requires further verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging procedures.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive specimens are cleansed prior to verification, as needed. The whole laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is assessed under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Challenges:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Quinton, OK, is superior to more conventional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and legal bodies favor hair testing because of its long detection window and difficulty to tamper with, offering a more comprehensive view of drug history than urine tests. This method assures precise and trustworthy results, which is critical for effective substance monitoring.
In Quinton, OK, the hair follicle testing method provides a much longer period of detecting drug use, up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to gain a detailed view of an individual's substance history, compared to the limited short-term detection capabilities of urine tests. As such, hair testing gives a comprehensive understanding of an employee or applicant's long-term drug use patterns.
Hair follicle testing performed in Quinton, OK, greatly reduces the potential for sample tampering. The nature of observed collections makes it difficult to alter samples, ensuring credible and uncompromised results. For organizations demanding reliable drug testing outcomes, hair follicle methods establish a trustworthy standard by significantly mitigating the risk of adulteration.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient testing access for individuals in Quinton, OK, with our local and nationwide centers. Our widespread network offers easy and swift scheduling of hair follicle tests, providing flexibility and ease of access. Clients benefit from the straightforward location processes, making their testing experience hassle-free and comfortable.
The process of hair follicle testing in Quinton, OK is designed to be simple and confidential. From arranging testing to obtaining results, every step ensures customer privacy and ease of use. The quick, anonymous system assures that personal information remains protected, catering to clients' preferences for discretion while delivering reliable outcomes.
Our services in Quinton, OK, emphasize affordability alongside quick turnaround times. Competitive pricing structures meet the needs of businesses regardless of size, offering excellent value. Companies benefit from our efficient testing procedures, providing both economic and seamless solutions for comprehensive drug and alcohol testing.
In Quinton, OK, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed in detecting substance use. This method offers fast and accurate results, ensuring that employers receive reliable data regarding a person's recent drug activity. The high level of accuracy in these tests provides a dependable assessment of substance use, surpassing many traditional testing methods by a substantial margin.
For Quinton, OK employers, hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing hair testing minimizes legal risks associated with illicit substance use in the workplace and fosters a safer work environment. By choosing this method, organizations can strengthen their commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, thereby enhancing overall safety and productivity.
