Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the primary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective solution to rule out drug use in most samples, positive screens must be confirmed for court validity. Any samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is collected from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drug compounds are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptively positive samples receive a wash before confirmation if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp
In Tupelo, OK, hair follicle testing is celebrated for surpassing conventional urine tests, primarily in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests extend the detection period for drug use, offering a distinct advantage over urine-based assessments.
Compared to urine tests, hair testing is nearly impossible to cheat and reveals a more extended history of substance use, empowering employers with thorough insights into an individual's drug-related behaviors and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Tupelo, OK, offers an extended detection window, reaching back up to 90 days. This advantage allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into an applicant's or employee's substance use history.
Benefiting from its long reach, hair testing is ideal for in-depth evaluations where understanding prolonged substance habits is critical. Employers can effectively screen for consistent drug use, fostering safer and more informed hiring decisions.
In Tupelo, OK, hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant qualities, significantly minimizing the potential for sample adulteration. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results.
The probability of cheating in a hair test is nearly nonexistent, ensuring that the outcomes reflect an accurate representation of a participant's substance use history, effectively enhancing the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient locations nationwide, including in Tupelo, OK, Accredited Drug Testing offers accessible and hassle-free testing solutions. Our testing centers simplify the process, ensuring quick access to essential drug testing services.
Local facilities ensure that employers and individuals can easily find a nearby center, promoting seamless integration of testing into routine operations without unnecessary delays or difficulties.
In Tupelo, OK, the process of hair follicle testing at Accredited Drug Testing is designed to be simple and confidential. The straightforward approach to ordering, testing, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns effectively.
This ease of use, coupled with robust confidentiality measures, enhances participant confidence and ensures a smooth testing experience from start to finish.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Tupelo, OK, delivering outstanding value to companies of all sizes. Our competitive rates ensure that clients receive top-tier testing services without excessive costs.
Quick processing and efficient delivery of results guarantee that employers can make timely and well-informed decisions, enhancing operational efficiency and satisfaction.
In Tupelo, OK, hair follicle drug testing is acclaimed for its fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. This method is meticulously designed to offer precision, quickly identifying substance use with high accuracy.
Companies choosing hair follicle tests benefit from a speedy process, ensuring rapid results and timely decision-making. The reliability of these tests is unmatched in the industry, making it a favored choice for businesses prioritizing efficiency and correctness.
Employers in Tupelo, OK, derive peace of mind from using hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal risks while bolstering workplace safety through its comprehensive and accurate assessments.
The reliability of hair testing assists in upholding strict drug policies, fortifying employer confidence in the safety and productivity of their workforce and mitigating potential legal liabilities.
