Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the hair's fibrous structure. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a substance use history extending up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for testing and validation. For in-depth analyses such as EtG or more than 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. It's best to measure the hair on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and entering additional data if not already captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drug traces. Although this is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug usage for most samples, any positive result from Screening requires Confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples indicative of drug presence during Screening necessitate a more rigorous secondary analysis.
For samples testing positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction process, where drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than methods like urine or saliva tests, rendering hair drug screening highly challenging.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as needed. The end-to-end laboratory procedure—from Accessioning through Confirmation—receives scrutiny under both the CAP Hair recognition and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle to traditional urine tests in Atlantic, IA, the former stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Hair testing offers unmatched accuracy and reliability, making it more effective than urine tests.
In Atlantic, IA, the benefits of hair testing over urine tests are clear. With enhanced detection accuracy, hair tests provide a reliable option for identifying recent and past substance use effectively.
In Atlantic, IA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, enabling employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's history with substances.
A remarkable advantage of hair follicle tests is the prolonged detection period. This allows employers in Atlantic, IA to evaluate potential employees' substance use, ensuring informed decision-making during hiring processes.
Hair follicle testing is an effective tamper-resistant method in Atlantic, IA. Its design significantly decreases the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain dependable and unquestionable.
The risk of adulteration is minimized with hair follicle testing. This method provides Atlantic, IA employers with reliable, tamper-proof results.
With numerous nationwide locations, we offer convenient testing solutions in Atlantic, IA. Our centers ensure quick and easy access to hassle-free drug testing services.
Testing locations across the nation make services accessible in Atlantic, IA. This convenience ensures that individuals and companies can quickly satisfy testing requirements.
Ordering and taking tests is a simple, confidential process in Atlantic, IA. Concerns about privacy are addressed thoroughly, making the testing process straightforward for all involved.
In Atlantic, IA, our process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. This ensures that individuals can comfortably and privately manage their testing needs.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our services in Atlantic, IA ensure affordability and prompt results. Companies of all sizes find great value in our drug testing solutions.
In Atlantic, IA, our drug testing is not only budget-friendly but also provides fast outcomes, giving companies peace of mind with timely solutions.
In Atlantic, IA, hair follicle drug testing is unmatched in its speed and precision. These tests offer high accuracy when identifying substance use, making them a reliable choice for those needing definitive results quickly.
Fast, precise outcomes are what set hair follicle testing apart. Its reputation for accurate detection ensures confidence in the results, solidifying its status as a preferred drug testing method in Atlantic, IA.
Employers in Atlantic, IA gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. It supports compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace, reducing legal risks and ensuring a safer work environment.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Atlantic, IA enhances workplace safety. By ensuring adherence to drug policies, employers can maintain legal compliance and reduce potential liabilities.