Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a detailed timeline of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's fibers. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can disclose up to a three-month detection span for various substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 strands (analogous in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for assessments and verifications. For EtG add-ons and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair is an alternative. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is introduced into the laboratory's system, including verifying its seal and proper shipment, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. This affordable procedure effectively negates drug use in most samples, yet any positive outcome requires confirmation for legal validity. Any samples that result in presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where Screening suggests a positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection for further Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
The Confirmation of a positive Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples receive a mandatory wash before confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Asbury, IA, hair follicle testing is often considered superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can only detect recent drug use, hair testing captures a broader spectrum, providing a more comprehensive picture of substance history. The meticulous nature of hair testing ensures that results are dependable and less prone to inaccuracies commonly found in urine analyses.
The extended detection window is a key advantage of hair follicle testing, especially in Asbury, IA. Unlike other methods, it can identify drug use over a significantly longer timeline, up to 90 days. This feature offers employers in-depth insight into the ongoing and past substance use habits of employees or candidates, making it a preferred choice for pre-employment screenings and routine checks.
Hair follicle testing in Asbury, IA, offers a robust solution against sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can sometimes be adulterated or manipulated, hair tests provide results that are difficult to alter. The integrity of the sample is maintained from collection to analysis, ensuring that the findings are dependable and trustworthy, giving employers and authorities confidence in the test outcomes.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including those in Asbury, IA, our hair follicle testing services are easily accessible. The widespread availability of our facilities ensures that individuals and businesses can quickly and efficiently access testing services, minimizing inconvenience and disruption to daily activities. Our commitment to convenience demonstrates our dedication to customer satisfaction.
The hair follicle testing process in Asbury, IA, is simple and confidential, providing peace of mind to those concerned about privacy. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, each step is designed to be straightforward and discreet. This ensures that individuals can confidently make use of our services, knowing their information is handled with the utmost care and respect.
Our competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Asbury, IA, an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. The affordability of our services, combined with their efficiency, provides excellent value, allowing companies to manage their testing budgets without compromising on quality or accuracy, thereby offering both peace of mind and fiscal responsibility.
Hair follicle tests in Asbury, IA, are known for their rapid and precise outcomes. These tests detect substance use with unmatched accuracy, providing reliable insight into an individual's drug use history. The speed at which results are processed amplifies their value, enabling timely decisions for both employers and individuals. This combination of speed and precision makes hair tests the optimal choice in substance detection.
Employers in Asbury, IA, benefit from the assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety by ensuring employees adhere to company standards. The accuracy and reliability of the results foster a secure environment, providing employers peace of mind and helping maintain a productive workplace.
