Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a vital resource for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, providing a lengthy historical record of alcohol and other drugs. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the ideal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to measure the sample is suggested. If head hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a specimen within a lab system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that wasn't supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that show a presumptively positive result in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptively positive result in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in West Woods, OK, the former stands out for superior detection and accuracy. Traditional urine tests, although common, have noticeable limitations in their detection windows. In contrast, hair testing addresses these by providing a more encompassing evaluation of substance use. Consequently, it presents a more detailed account of drug consumption patterns, offering significant advantages over conventional urine testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in West Woods, OK offers an extended detection window that enriches the perspective on substance use over time. This method traces drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike the brief period covered by urine tests. For employers, this detailed view translates to a thorough assessment of an applicant or employee's substance history, facilitating informed hiring and personnel management decisions, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
In terms of security, hair follicle testing in West Woods, OK greatly diminishes the likelihood of tampering or fraud. This reliable method offers assurances that cannot be matched by urine tests, which may be susceptible to adulteration. By securing rock-solid results, it fosters trust in testing outcomes, proving indispensable for employers and judicial systems seeking unquestionable data on substance use, thus maintaining high standards of accuracy and integrity.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience through numerous testing centers nationwide, including West Woods, OK. Our wide-reaching network facilitates easy access to drug testing services wherever needed. This geographic flexibility ensures that clients can access testing without delay or inconvenience, aligning with demands for swift service in a fast-paced world while maintaining the highest standards.
The process of hair follicle testing in West Woods, OK is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, each step prioritizes client privacy and ease of use. This streamlined approach alleviates concerns about taking tests, making them user-friendly and accessible, while firmly addressing privacy expectations and ensuring discreet handling of sensitive information.
Accredited Drug Testing in West Woods, OK provides a balance of affordability and speed. Competitive pricing paired with swift result delivery underscores our commitment to value and efficiency. Catering to businesses of all scales, this blend offers considerable benefits, easing expenditure burdens while guaranteeing timely information flow, which is crucial for effective decision-making in today's dynamic business environments.
Hair follicle drug tests in West Woods, OK provide quick and precise results. These tests boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, delivering dependable insights. Employers and individuals can rely on these tests to quickly and accurately report drug use, allowing timely interventions and informed decision-making. In comparison with traditional methods, hair follicle testing ensures speediness without sacrificing its exceptional precision.
Employers in West Woods, OK find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, thanks to its compliance assurance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing not only mitigates legal liabilities but also creates a safer work environment. By employing hair testing, organizations can uphold stringent drug-use policies and safeguard their interests, all while reinforcing their commitment to employee health and corporate responsibility.
