Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is emerging as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption, providing a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers amidst the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a reflection of alcohol and drug exposure over a period of up to three months. It is straightforward to harvest, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, delivers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is recommended. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically implies scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a sample into a laboratory's protocol. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment were handled properly, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, swift assessment for substances commonly abused. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. All samples with preliminary positive results in Screening mandate further confirmation.
For samples showing potential positives at the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction, where drugs are extracted at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid). This complexity makes hair drug screening particularly challenging to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, every presumptively positive specimen undergoes washing as required. The comprehensive laboratory process, spanning Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) for Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, bypassing the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Southwest Pontotoc, OK, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can reveal drug use over an extended period, offering a comprehensive insight into one's substance history. This longer detection window makes it a preferred option for employers and professionals requiring strict adherence to drug-free policies.
In Southwest Pontotoc, OK, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this method allows employers to gain a complete perspective on an individual’s substance use history. This long-term insight is invaluable for assessing both new and current employees, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Southwest Pontotoc, OK, significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike other methods, the integrity of hair samples is hard to compromise, providing unquestionable results. This reliability is crucial for employers and legal entities, ensuring the accuracy and truthfulness of every test undertaken.
With the convenience of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Southwest Pontotoc, OK, accessing our services is hassle-free. Our network of locations ensures that drug testing is quick and straightforward, enabling you to arrange tests whenever necessary. This broad accessibility simplifies the process, making it easier to prioritize effective substance use screenings.
In Southwest Pontotoc, OK, our testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward, focusing on user privacy and ease of use. Our streamlined approach addresses common concerns, ensuring that the entire procedure from initiation to completion is both secure and user-friendly.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround in Southwest Pontotoc, OK, positions us as a leader in providing value-driven drug testing solutions. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes can access necessary services without financial strain. Combined with our rapid processing times, we deliver peace of mind and excellent service quality.
In Southwest Pontotoc, OK, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests offer significant benefits. These tests provide high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring fast results. The technology employed enables quick processing, reducing wait times and delivering prompt answers. This efficiency helps employers and legal authorities make informed decisions reliably, enhancing the overall utility of drug testing practices.
In Southwest Pontotoc, OK, implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method helps reduce legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. By ensuring consistent and effective testing processes, employers can build a foundation of trust and reliability, thereby enhancing overall organizational peace of mind.
