Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a robust method for identifying exposure to drugs and alcohol. The hair strand captures biomarkers in its fibers, offering an extensive historical record of these substances. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair is straightforward to collect, fairly challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
For a comprehensive analysis, obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for testing. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" pertains strictly to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test incorporates four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is processed into a laboratory’s system. This entails ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective measure to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally viable. Samples that test presumptively positive necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the intricate nature of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Ponca City, OK. Hair follicle tests provide superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. With their extended detection period, spanning weeks rather than days, they offer a more reliable assessment of an individual's substance history, proving particularly useful for employers and legal procedures seeking comprehensive inspections.
Extended Detection Window in Ponca City, OK. Hair follicle testing stands out for its ability to reveal drug usage over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive window gives companies a thorough insight into an applicant or employee's drug history, helping to ensure a drug-free workplace environment through broader detection capabilities than shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ponca City, OK. Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering or adulteration. By significantly minimizing the risk of sample alteration, these tests deliver reliable and definitive results, reducing the possibility of misleading conclusions that might arise with other testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, Including Ponca City, OK. Our testing centers span across the nation, providing swift and straightforward access to drug testing services. This expansive network ensures that individuals and businesses can conveniently reach a facility near them, promoting efficient and hassle-free testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ponca City, OK. The procedure for arranging, conducting, and receiving hair test results is designed to be simple and private. By respecting privacy and ensuring ease of use, we take care of all concerns, allowing clients to focus on receiving accurate and discreet outcomes.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ponca City, OK. With competitive pricing models and quick result deliveries, our services offer great value for organizations of varying scales. This combination of affordability and efficiency ensures peace of mind, enabling businesses to integrate regular drug screening into their routine operations.
Ponca City, OK offers fast and precise hair follicle drug testing. With its exceptional detection capabilities, this method provides reliable results in pinpointing substance consumption. Clients benefit from a meticulous procedure that ensures quick and accurate findings, supporting both personal and professional needs for substance verification.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ponca City, OK. Implementing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks, ensuring organizations maintain a safe environment. Employers gain reassurance knowing robust testing practices guard against substance misuse, fostering a secure workplace.
