Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a potent resource for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an enduring record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen mass of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we speak of head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated for legal acceptability. Any samples testing positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample prove positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than those in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Wright City, OK, greatly surpasses traditional urine analysis in multiple aspects. The primary advantage includes detection over a long period, offering a more comprehensive substance use history.
One of the key successes of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, making it extremely valuable in Wright City, OK. This allows employers to observe an employee's or applicant’s substance use history over a longer time frame.Unmatched detection period ensures a deeper understanding of substance use behavior, aiding in better workforce management decisions.
Security in drug testing is crucial, and Wright City, OK, benefits vastly from hair follicle testing due to its tamper-resistant nature. Reducing the risk of sample adulteration provides results that are virtually irrefutable. Unlike other methods, hair testing delivers reliable data you can trust, crucial for maintaining integrity in workplace drug policies.
With convenient nationwide and local testing centers, Wright City, OK, residents have easy access to hair follicle testing services. Our strategically placed locations ensure a hassle-free experience, making it simple for individuals and companies to utilize our comprehensive testing solutions at their convenience without extended travel.
Our process for hair follicle testing in Wright City, OK, is simple and confidential, designed with user privacy in mind.
Affordable pricing and swift turnaround distinguish our hair follicle testing services in Wright City, OK. We offer competitive rates without compromising the quality and speed of our services, providing exceptional value for organizations of all sizes. Quick delivery of results ensures prompt decision-making, an asset in maintaining an efficient workplace.
The precision and swift results afforded by hair follicle drug testing distinguish it as a leading method in Wright City, OK. High accuracy in detecting substance use is a hallmark of these tests. Employers can confidently rely on the results to identify substance use among employees or applicants. Additionally, hair testing ensures speed, reducing the wait for critical information necessary for informed decision-making.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Wright City, OK, presents a secure method to comply with drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring legal and policy compliance diminishes potential workplace disputes and enhances safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their testing protocol minimizes risks and upholds a safe working environment.