Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use over an interval of up to three months. This method is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) taken from close to the scalp amounts to 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial screening and confirmation purposes. For tests like EtG, additional options, and those exceeding 10 panels, a sample quantity of 150mg is preferable. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is an acceptable substitute. Note that when referring to head hair, it implies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test sample in the lab consists of four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase incorporates entering a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and properly sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and recording any missing data not included by an e-chain of custody protocol.
Screening performs a primary analysis for illicit substances. While this step is a budget-friendly approach to ignore drug presence in most samples, a positive result here necessitates a confirmation for it to be legally acceptable. Any samples yielding a positive preliminary result must undergo additional confirmation.
For samples showing a positive indication during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this juncture, the hair is processed to isolate drugs at concentrations far lower than other methods (like urine or saliva), rendering hair drug analysis among the more intricate approaches.
Positive Screening outcomes are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Previously positive samples are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to oversight under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accrediting standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand, not the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Midwest City, OK, reveals distinct advantages. Hair tests surpass urine tests with longer detection periods and superior accuracy. Their enhanced detection capabilities offer an invaluable assessment tool, making them more dependable in identifying substance use compared to traditional urine tests.
Employers in Midwest City, OK, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extensive detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This allows a thorough insight into an individual’s history with substances, covering periods that traditional tests might miss. Such comprehensive background checks offer employers assurance and clarity in the screening process.
In Midwest City, OK, the reliability of hair follicle tests stems from their resistance to tampering. This testing method significantly diminishes the possibility of sample manipulation, ensuring the results remain undisputable and secure. Its superior integrity makes it an excellent option for trusted substance abuse testing.
With nationwide testing facilities and local options in Midwest City, OK, accessing our services is seamless. Our widespread presence ensures easy, convenient access to drug testing resources. The broad network supports rapid and effortless testing, meeting diverse needs while minimizing any disruption to everyday routines.
Hair follicle testing in Midwest City, OK, is straightforward and confidential. Navigating the process from scheduling tests to acquiring results, privacy is upheld every step. This user-friendly approach alleviates concerns regarding confidentiality, facilitating a smooth experience while maintaining discretion and ease throughout.
In Midwest City, OK, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and prompt result delivery. The value lies in both affordability and rapid turnaround, catering to businesses regardless of size. This combination of cost-effectiveness and speed results in a sensible choice for organizations seeking budget-friendly and efficient drug testing solutions.
In Midwest City, OK, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise outcomes. These tests are highly adept at distinguishing substance use, providing accuracy that goes beyond traditional methodologies. The efficiency in obtaining results adds to this method’s appeal, making it a preferred option for timely and reliable substance use assessments.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Midwest City, OK, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace standards. This practice reduces potential legal challenges while promoting safety. Effective monitoring through hair testing helps foster a safe and compliant workplace atmosphere, granting employers confidence in maintaining policy enforcement.