Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for uncovering substance and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use within an approximate 3-month window. The collection process is straightforward, it is somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's size) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. It’s suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. It’s important to note that 'head hair' refers only to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for evaluating a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is first introduced into a laboratory’s system. This phase includes confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screening requires confirmation to hold legal credibility. Samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If the sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirming any positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the accreditation criteria of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Wilburton, OK, hair follicle testing prevails over traditional urine testing, offering numerous advantages. Compared to urine tests, hair testing ensures superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use history over an extended period. The method's robustness makes it a favored choice for employers aiming to enforce stringent substance-free workplace policies.
Hair follicle testing in Wilburton, OK, offers an extended detection window, revealing drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight allows employers to evaluate an individual's substance history thoroughly. Compared to other testing methods, hair tests provide an extensive review, ensuring more informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Wilburton, OK, significantly decreases the chances of sample tampering, delivering reliable and definitive results. The methodology's robustness discourages adulteration, making it nearly tamper-proof. This assurance ensures authenticity in testing outcomes, appealing to employers who prioritize the integrity of drug testing procedures.
Wilburton, OK, benefits from the convenience of nationwide hair follicle testing centers, streamlining the testing process. Local and accessible centers ensure testing can be performed quickly, hassle-free, and without significant disruptions. The spread of our testing locations offers clients the ease and flexibility they need.
Our hair follicle testing process in Wilburton, OK, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, completing the test, and receiving results are all designed to safeguard privacy and ensure user-friendliness. This seamless approach addresses any client concerns regarding discretion and the ease of utilizing our services.
We offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing services in Wilburton, OK. Our competitive pricing frameworks, coupled with quick result delivery, provide outstanding value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from cost-effective and efficient testing solutions, ensuring peace of mind and the best economic choice.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an invaluable tool for detecting substance use in Wilburton, OK. With high accuracy, these tests can reliably identify drug use, ensuring fast and dependable results. Hair testing is considered a leading method due to its thorough and prompt detection capabilities, outmatching other testing forms.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Wilburton, OK, leads to adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, thus minimizing legal risks and promoting safer work environments. Employers gain peace of mind knowing the tests provide accurate, long-term substance use records. Compliance with hair testing upholds safety and regulatory standards effectively.