Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures long-term data by embedding biomarkers within the strands that grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection range for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is perfect for testing and confirmation. For tests like EtG or those surpassing ten panels, it's advisable to have 150mg. Measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four core stages in processing a lab drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the sample's initial entry into the lab's inventory. This step ensures the sample's seal was intact and it was sent correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening offers an economical way to exclude drug use for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal acceptability. Samples identified as possibly positive during Screening require another level of confirmation.
If a sample shows potential positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This is when drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than other procedures (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge in execution.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive screenings is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Welch, OK
Hair follicle testing provides clear advantages over urine tests, particularly due to its enhanced detection reliability. The accuracy in spotting drug use over an extended period is superior with hair testing, making it a trusted method for employers looking for reliable data on substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Welch, OK
One major benefit of hair follicle testing is its capacity to identify drug use over a 90-day period. This extended detection window allows employers in Welch, OK to attain a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history, crucial for comprehensive employee evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Welch, OK
Hair follicle tests offer significant resistance to sample tampering. Their collection process and analysis make altering results nearly impossible, providing Welch, OK employers with trustworthy and definitive outcomes, thus reducing the risk of compromised results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Welch, OK
Our extensive network of testing locations, including Welch, OK, guarantees that drug testing services are accessible and convenient. This nationwide availability allows individuals and businesses to perform necessary tests without the hassle, ensuring seamless service provision.
Simple, Confidential Process in Welch, OK
At Welch, OK testing centers, we ensure a straightforward and confidential process for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests. Our secure handling of personal data addresses privacy concerns, offering a user-friendly experience for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Welch, OK
Our competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times provide excellent value for companies in Welch, OK. Quick and economical services ensure businesses of all sizes can maintain their drug-testing regimes efficiently and affordably.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Welch, OK
Hair follicle drug tests in Welch, OK deliver rapid and precise results. They offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, making them a preferred choice over traditional methods. This test's efficiency ensures that individuals receive timely results, enabling quick decision-making for employers and organizations alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Welch, OK
Utilizing hair follicle testing, Welch employers can ensure compliance with drug-free policies, decreasing legal liabilities and enhancing safety in the workplace. This reliable testing method provides assurance and peace of mind for those striving to maintain a drug-free environment.
