Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg of hair—an amount ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. Notably, head hair references only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process entails verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry not included via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for detecting drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up legally. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair in substantially lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, leading to the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In the debate over hair follicle vs. urine testing in Terral, OK, hair testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests are less easily manipulated and provide a longer window of detection, making them a more trustworthy choice for employers or legal entities seeking comprehensive substance history visibility.
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage in Terral, OK by detecting drug use spanning up to a 90-day period. This extended window offers employers detailed insights into an individual’s substance use history, which cannot be matched by short-term tests like urinalysis.
One of the critical benefits of hair follicle testing in Terral, OK is its tamper-resistant nature. The testing method is incredibly secure, reducing any likelihood of sample adulteration. This ensures the results remain accurate and incontrovertible, offering reliable information for all stakeholders.
Our network of nationwide testing centers, including facilities in Terral, OK, ensures easy access and convenience for all. This broad reach ensures that testing services remain quick, hassle-free, and accessible, catering to an extensive range of needs both locally and across the country.
The process for hair follicle testing in Terral, OK is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, the procedure prioritizes privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns individuals may have about discretion and ease of execution.
In Terral, OK, hair follicle testing boasts competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. We provide exceptional value by ensuring affordability while delivering results swiftly, meeting the needs of companies regardless of their size. This balance of cost-efficiency and speed is indispensable for effective decision-making.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in Terral, OK. These tests are designed to accurately pinpoint substance use with a high degree of reliability. The quick processing time ensures that results are available promptly, allowing for timely decision-making and action.
Hair follicle testing upholds compliance with workplace drug policies in Terral, OK, providing employers with peace of mind. This method reduces legal liability and supports a safer working environment, ensuring adherence to zero-tolerance drug policies without compromising integrity.
