Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged account of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal usage information from up to around three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels beyond 10, or testing expanded panels, it is advised to obtain 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale for accuracy. In the absence of scalp hair, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in the laboratory for a drug test outcome consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring that the sample is sealed and shipped accurately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data input not provided by electronic means.
Screening conducts a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated for court acceptance. Samples with presumptive positives from Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair substance analysis is the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair listing and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination involves the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For drug testing in Tahlequah, OK, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests. Here’s why:
This hair testing method offers advantages over conventional urine testing, such as:
Hair follicle screening in Tahlequah, OK, excels with its extended detection cover, stretching up to 90 days.
The long-range capability of hair testing sets it apart:
In Tahlequah, OK, hair follicle tests ensure sample integrity, reducing tampering risks.
Hair testing inherently provides:
Accredited Testing offers convenience via nationwide centers, including in Tahlequah, OK:
With numerous viable centers:
In Tahlequah, OK, the hair testing procedure keeps client confidentiality and simplicity at its core:
The process remains straightforward through:
Competitive pricing in Tahlequah, OK offers affordability and efficiency.
Value is underlined through:
Hair follicle drug tests in Tahlequah, OK, are renowned for their speed and precision.
These tests offer highly accurate detection of various substances, ensuring dependable results for individuals and organizations.
The hair follicle test stands out in the drug testing field for several reasons:
When implementing drug-free policies in Tahlequah, OK, hair follicle testing ensures compliance, safeguarding workplaces:
Serving employer needs, hair screening provides:
