Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol intake, hair testing offers long-term insight by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can present an approximate 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen volume of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent body hair amount can be taken. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug tests includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the first step where the sample gets processed into the lab's system. This stage ensures the sample's seal integrity, correct shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entries absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a swift prelim check for drugs of abuse. It's economically efficient for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, but a positive screening outcome needs confirmation for legal acceptability. Any presumptively positive samples in screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a specimen tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. The Extraction process involves isolating drugs from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which attributes to the complexity of performing hair drug screenings.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive screening outcomes. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation, as deemed necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Reminder: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Fargo, OK, hair follicle tests stand superior to traditional urine exams, primarily due to their extensive detection window and heightened reliability. These tests reveal a broader spectrum of drug use history and are less susceptible to manipulation, providing a truer representation of substance usage.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Fargo, OK offers a 90-day lookback period, capturing an extensive view of an individual's substance use history. This expanded timeline equips employers with deeper insights into an applicant or staff member's patterns, which supports informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Fargo, OK, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to sample tampering. This advantage ensures the integrity of the test results, as the method substantially minimizes the possibility of adulteration, supporting genuine assessments and credible outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our testing facilities, spread across Fargo, OK and nationwide, offer seamless access to hair follicle tests. This widespread availability ensures a simplistic and quick testing process, free from complications and easily accessible to clients in all regions.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Fargo, OK, ensuring a straightforward and private testing experience is paramount. Our process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results prioritizes confidentiality and ease, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have while remaining user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Fargo, OK, benefits from our competitive pricing coupled with rapidly delivered results. Our efficient service structure offers tremendous value for businesses of various sizes, guaranteeing peace of mind alongside cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Fargo, OK, our hair follicle drug tests set the standard for precision and rapid results. These tests excel in identifying substances due to their comprehensive analysis, offering unmatched accuracy in substance detection. Trust in the speed and dependability of hair testing to ensure thorough assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employing hair follicle testing in Fargo, OK helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance is crucial for minimizing legal concerns and bolstering workplace safety, fostering a healthier, more secure environment for all employees.
