Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Sampling hair near the scalp allows for a detection window of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. The process of obtaining a hair sample is uncomplicated, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional assays, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is incorporated into a lab’s system. This phase involves ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While cost-efficient for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates affirmation to be legally valid. Samples indicating a presumptive positive must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. During Extraction, substances are retrieved from hair at a notably lower concentration than alternative methods such as urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug testing the most demanding technique.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Before confirmation, if required, all samples indicating presumptive positives undergo a thorough wash. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westville, OK
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities can reveal drug use over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Employers and legal systems benefit from the reliable and accurate data provided by hair testing, which is harder to falsify than urine samples.
Extended Detection Window in Westville, OK
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a much longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of an employee’s historical substance use, which is invaluable for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. This extended window far exceeds the capability of traditional urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westville, OK
Hair follicle testing offers a testing method that significantly decreases the likelihood of sample tampering or adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered by various means, hair samples provide results that are trustworthy and irrefutable. This ensures employers receive accurate and genuine results, crucial for maintaining workplace integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westville, OK
Our nationwide network of testing centers guarantees quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. Whether you're in Westville or any other city, you can rest assured that a nearby center is available to meet your needs with utmost convenience. This extensive network eliminates the burden of long commutes and delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Westville, OK
The process for hair follicle drug testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This ensures that individuals can complete the process without unnecessary stress, knowing their information is handled discreetly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westville, OK
Our competitive pricing structure paired with a fast turnaround time offers companies great value and peace of mind. We recognize the importance of cost efficiency without compromising quality or speed, ensuring businesses of all sizes can access reliable hair follicle testing services without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westville, OK
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and swiftness unparalleled in the industry. Their high accuracy in detecting a wide range of substances makes them the preferred choice for many. In comparison to other methods, hair testing provides detailed and reliable results that cannot be contested, ensuring an accurate assessment of substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westville, OK
Using hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating legal risks associated with workplace drug use. This safety measure not only ensures compliance but also contributes to creating a secure and productive work environment, offering peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
