Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it offers a prolonged history of alcohol or drug intake. When hair is collected close to the head, it yields a detection timeline of up to three months for substance use. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. If head hair is not an option, the same amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory cycle for processing a drug test involves four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, samples are initially processed into the lab's system. This step involves checking if the sample is properly sealed and transported, creating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input required that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase includes a preliminary examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug presence in most samples, confirmation is necessary for legal admissibility of a positive result. Presumptive positive results during Screening require additional confirmation steps.
Should the Screening phase suggest a positive presence, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using either GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. As required, presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Zena, OK, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the primary benefits is the greater detection accuracy it provides. Unlike urine tests, which target recent usage, hair tests detect extended substance history, making them more reliable.
Urine testing is susceptible to tampering, but hair tests are notably resistant, ensuring validity in results. This makes hair testing the preferred choice among employers and institutions enforcing stringent zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable extended detection window of up to 90 days. In Zena, OK, employers capitalize on this benefit to obtain a comprehensive overview of individuals' drug usage. This capability provides invaluable insights into applicants' or employees' lifestyles.
With hair testing, the timeline extends beyond temporary abstinence periods, offering a clearer picture of substance use patterns. This facilitates confident and informed decision-making for both hiring processes and ongoing employee assessments.
In Zena, OK, hair follicle tests stand out for their resilience to tampering. Unlike other methods prone to manipulation, hair analysis renders inconclusive results nearly impossible. This trait ensures authenticity in drug screenings.
The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistant nature. Samples remain uncontaminated throughout the process, fostering trust and reliability in the results provided, enhancing employer confidence in maintaining drug-free workplaces.
Zena, OK, enjoys the convenience of both local and nationwide testing locations through our extensive network. Our services offer clients easy access to hassle-free testing, accomplished swiftly across various centers.
The convenience of nearby testing facilities enables quick and efficient service delivery, ensuring both individuals and organizations can fulfill their testing requirements without delay. This accessibility exemplifies our commitment to streamlined and effective testing solutions.
In Zena, OK, our hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize user-friendly procedures, alleviating any privacy concerns.
Our straightforward approach ensures that clients can navigate the testing process with ease. Discretion is upheld at every step, reinforcing confidence in our services while maintaining the privacy and integrity of client information.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing services in Zena, OK, provide companies with exceptional value. Our cost-effective solutions do not compromise quality, ensuring businesses benefit from rigorous testing without financial strain.
We pride ourselves on fast turnaround times, delivering rapid and reliable results. This efficiency supports companies of all sizes, promoting a secure and accountable workplace environment at affordable rates.
In Zena, OK, the efficiency of hair follicle drug testing is unmatched. The method is distinguished by its precision and speed. Damaging substances are accurately identified, furnishing results that empower employers to maintain drug-free environments swiftly and effectively.
Hair follicle testing is valued for its accuracy in detecting long-term substance use. This method offers a reliable assessment of an individual's drug habits, ensuring workplace safety and fulfilling regulatory compliance effortlessly.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Zena, OK, aligns with maintaining workplace safety and peace of mind for employers. This method meets compliance standards effortlessly, reducing legal risks associated with drug policy enforcement.
Implementing such rigorous testing enhances a company's standing, reassuring regulatory bodies of adherence to safe practices. Employers benefit from ensured compliance, mitigating potential liabilities and contributing to a secure working environment.
