Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Obtaining hair near the scalp can offer up to around a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial evaluation for signs of drug use. Although Screening is economical for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that appear positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a potential positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than in other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
The Confirmation of positive screening results is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Archer, IA, hair follicle tests are favored over traditional urine tests due to their superior ability to detect long-term drug use. Unlike urine tests that offer a limited detection window, hair tests provide a broader timespan, ensuring a deeper analysis into drug usage patterns. Employers and authorities find this invaluable for maintaining high standards of safety and integrity.
Employing hair follicle testing in Archer, IA, grants companies a more extensive timeframe to detect drug use—up to 90 days. This extended detection capability provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, assisting employers in making informed decisions about potential and current employees, thus enhancing workforce reliability.
In Archer, IA, hair follicle tests provide a robust solution against sample tampering. These tests substantially lower the risk of adulteration, offering reliable and conclusive results. With hair testing, stakeholders gain confidence in the results, knowing the risk of sample manipulation is minimal, ensuring fairness and accuracy in each test.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Archer, IA, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Our expansive network ensures rapid and straightforward availability of testing, allowing individuals and businesses to efficiently manage testing needs with minimal disruption. This ease of access simplifies the testing process for all involved.
In Archer, IA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use. This commitment to confidentiality reassures individuals and companies alike, making the testing experience stress-free and straightforward.
Hair follicle testing in Archer, IA, is not only fast but also cost-effective. Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times offer businesses of all sizes great value. This affordability, combined with speed, ensures that companies receive precise results without financial strain, enabling them to maintain operational efficiency.
Hair follicle testing in Archer, IA, is known for its precision and promptness. This testing method boasts high accuracy in substance detection, allowing for rapid results. The efficiency of hair testing ensures that companies and individuals in Archer, IA, can rely on their results for critical decision-making, offering peace of mind with every test conducted.
Employers in Archer, IA, who utilize hair follicle drug testing enjoy enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By opting for hair testing, companies significantly mitigate legal risks while ensuring a safer working environment. This commitment to a drug-free policy not only promotes safety but also bolsters team morale and trust.
