Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective tool for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of these substances by securing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug usage over a span of up to approximately three months. Hair collection is straightforward, less vulnerable to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four fundamental steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This process entails ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is performed through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In South Cherokee, OK, hair follicle testing demonstrates clear advantages over traditional urine tests. This testing method offers superior detection accuracy, making it a more reliable choice. The extended detection period allows for a more comprehensive assessment of drug use history, which is crucial for employers prioritizing workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in South Cherokee, OK. This allows employers to gain essential insights into an individual's substance use history, providing a more thorough profile than other methods. With this broad timeframe, companies can make more informed decisions based on a wider lookback period.
The hair follicle test delivers a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing in South Cherokee, OK. This testing method significantly minimizes risks of sample adulteration, offering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This integrity enhances trust in the testing process, providing solid ground for important decisions regarding employment or legal situations.
The convenience of our nationwide and local testing locations in South Cherokee, OK, simplifies the drug testing process. Our numerous centers ensure easy access, facilitating a hassle-free experience for all clients. We make it straightforward for individuals and corporations to engage in testing quickly and efficiently.
In South Cherokee, OK, our testing service promotes a simple and confidential process. Ordering, conducting the test, and receiving results are designed to be user-friendly. We prioritize your privacy and ensure that confidentiality is maintained at every step of the way, addressing any concerns with ease and discretion.
Our services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in South Cherokee, OK. This competitive pricing structure, coupled with swift processing, offers companies exceptional value and efficiency. Businesses of any size can enjoy peace of mind knowing they receive quality service without sacrificing cost-effectiveness.
When it comes to obtaining fast, accurate, and reliable results in South Cherokee, OK, hair follicle drug tests stand out. Their precision in detecting substance use is unparalleled, quickly returning results that ensure informed decisions can be made promptly. This not only boosts confidence in results but aids in maintaining a safe and compliant environment.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind for employers in South Cherokee, OK, hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies. It manages legal risks effectively while boosting workplace safety. This commitment to compliance fosters a secure and responsible working environment, reinforcing the company’s safety protocols and reputation.
