Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. Collected near the scalp, it can offer up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drug presence. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial or axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages in handling a drug test outcome in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completes any further data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug utilization in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples showing positive results in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates positive signs in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. At this point, drug substances are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative techniques (e.g., urine or saliva tests), making hair drug screening the most demanding methodology.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples go through a washing process before confirmation if required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Tops Urine Testing in Shattuck, OK
Comparatively, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests in Shattuck, OK. Urine tests might falter in reliability, making hair tests the preferred choice for enhanced precision and an extended detection window that caters to both employers and legal needs.
Extended Detection Window in Shattuck, OK
Hair follicle testing in Shattuck, OK, allows employers to gain an in-depth look at a person's substance use history over a considerably longer span, up to 90 days. This prolonged observation period provides a comprehensive assessment of a potential or current employee's past drug use, facilitating informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shattuck, OK
Hair follicle testing presents a significant barrier against tampering, securing trustworthy and unquestionable test outcomes. Shattuck companies appreciate the added assurance that their drug testing results remain uncompromised, fostering greater trust in the data received from these analyses.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Centers in Shattuck, OK
The widespread availability of our testing facilities, both nationwide and locally in Shattuck, ensure convenience. Accessing testing services becomes hassle-free and efficient, offering residents and businesses quick and easy solutions without the stress of lengthy travel or complicated procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shattuck, OK
The process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Shattuck, OK, is straightforward and confidential. This user-friendly approach respects privacy, easing concerns associated with drug testing procedures while safeguarding the confidentiality of all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shattuck, OK
Shattuck, OK, businesses benefit from our cost-effective pricing and rapid result processing. We emphasize value, providing competitive rates and ensuring swift returns, making drug testing accessible and reliable for organizations of any size, all while maintaining quality service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Outcomes in Shattuck, OK
Shattuck residents trust hair follicle tests due to their unmatched precision and swiftness in delivering accurate results. These tests excel at identifying substance use, offering a dependable solution that stands out among available testing options, ensuring every analysis is both thorough and reliable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shattuck, OK
Utilizing hair follicle tests allows Shattuck employers to ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal hazards and promoting a safer environment. This method supports compliance while providing employers with peace of mind, knowing they're backed by robust drug testing protocols.
