Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair follicle analysis is gaining traction as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection timeframe of three months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is easy to harvest, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When speaking of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the laboratory workflow of a drug test evaluation are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This entails ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in legal settings. Samples that test tentatively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show tentative positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair with a notably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is exceptionally challenging to perform.
Verification of any positive screen result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing tentative positivity are sanitized prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair shaft and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sill, OK
When comparing hair testing to urine, the benefits are clear in Sill, OK.
Extended Detection Window in Sill, OK
Hair follicle analyses offer expansive detection times up to 90 days for a thorough overview of an individual’s drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sill, OK
Hair follicle testing in Sill, OK significantly reduces the risk of tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sill, OK
Our testing centers are strategically placed nationwide, including accessible sites in Sill, OK, for convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sill, OK
Experience a straightforward and private process in Sill, OK, from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sill, OK
We offer competitive pricing structures and rapid result times in Sill, OK that provide exceptional value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sill, OK
Hair follicle drug tests in Sill, OK stand out for their high accuracy rates, allowing for precise identification of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sill, OK
Using hair follicle testing ensures alignment with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and fostering a safer work environment.
