Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the hair. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can deliver a detection timeframe of up to around 90 days for both alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample that is 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (beard, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This process entails verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient solution to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for courtroom admissibility. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and under ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
In South Central Pontotoc, OK, hair follicle testing stands out compared to traditional urine tests. The superior detection period and accuracy of hair testing diminish the chance of false negatives or positives common in urine tests. As substances remain traceable in hair for a longer duration, it offers employers enhanced reliability in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This assurance attracts workplaces aiming for top-level safety and compliance.
The unique advantage of hair follicle testing in South Central Pontotoc, OK, lies in its extended detection window, capturing substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits and history. With this broader time frame, businesses can make informed decisions based on a more complete picture of a potential hire or current employee’s past behavior and choices.
South Central Pontotoc, OK, benefits significantly from the availability of hair follicle testing due to its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, it provides a reliable safeguard against sample adulteration. This method assures that the results remain unquestionable and trustworthy. The deterrence of any manipulation attempts offers precision in testing, making it a favored choice among employers striving for integrity.
The convenience of nationwide testing facilities, including locations in South Central Pontotoc, OK, ensures that individuals have access to testing services quickly and without hassle. The expansive reach of these centers means that testing is simple, efficient, and easily accessible. This network of locations supports the communities it serves, delivering prompt and professional testing options for everyone involved.
South Central Pontotoc, OK, boasts a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. The steps from ordering to results are designed to address users' concerns about privacy, ensuring discretion is maintained throughout. Simplicity and confidentiality remain paramount, ensuring that the testing process is stress-free and private, meeting users’ needs without compromising personal information.
Offering affordable pricing and prompt turnaround times, the hair follicle testing service in South Central Pontotoc, OK, supports businesses of all sizes with cost-effective solutions. This ensures that testing remains accessible and diverse, with quick result delivery providing reassurance to companies in need of fast decisions. The value offered here aligns with both budgetary and operational requirements without compromising on quality.
The hair follicle testing available in South Central Pontotoc, OK, offers unparalleled speed and accuracy. Its precision in detecting substances makes it a preferred choice for those who need trustworthy results. By using advanced technology, these tests can quickly identify any drug traces, ensuring that results are both reliable and timely. The rapid process also means less waiting time for users, providing a wise choice for employers in need of fast information.
In South Central Pontotoc, OK, hair follicle testing promotes both compliance and peace of mind for employers. By utilizing this testing method, firms can adhere to drug-free workplace policies effectively, reducing legal risks involved in potential non-compliance. Enhancing workplace safety and ensuring a drug-free environment, this approach not only mitigates potential liability but also fosters a positive company culture.