Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol intake by capturing biomarkers in the strands of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a roughly three-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, extra tests, and tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we refer to scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result includes four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary processing of a specimen into the lab's framework. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any necessary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening delivers a prompt preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is economical for initially excluding drug use for most specimens, positive findings necessitate confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that exhibit presumptive positives during Screening require secondary validation.
Should a specimen show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original collection and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (like urine or oral samples), highlighting why hair drug analysis is a more intricate process.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive are washed before validation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Baxter, IA
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, the former offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. This testing method in Baxter, IA, allows for a more comprehensive and long-term view of substance use. Its ability to detect drug use over an extended period makes it advantageous for employers and legal authorities striving for accuracy and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Baxter, IA
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, far surpassing other testing methods. Employers in Baxter, IA, gain a holistic overview of an applicant or employee’s substance history. This comprehensive insight aids in making informed decisions and maintaining workplace safety and efficacy.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Baxter, IA
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. In Baxter, IA, this robust testing method provides individuals and organizations with confidence in the authenticity of the results, enhancing trust in the testing process and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Baxter, IA
With numerous testing centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. In Baxter, IA, local and nationwide facilities ensure individuals and organizations can easily avail themselves of testing services, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Baxter, IA
The process for ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing is streamlined and discreet. In Baxter, IA, individuals can trust the confidentiality and ease of use, addressing privacy concerns effectively. This ensures a stress-free experience from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Baxter, IA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver exceptional value to companies of all sizes in Baxter, IA. Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind, combining cost-effectiveness with rapid and reliable results, supporting businesses in maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Baxter, IA
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness. This method is known for high accuracy in determining substance use, providing trustworthy results promptly. In Baxter, IA, individuals and organizations rely on this testing for its unmatched reliability, ensuring decisions based on solid and rapid results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Baxter, IA
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Baxter, IA, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing employers with a sense of assurance and compliance. The comprehensive nature of hair testing supports a healthy work environment, fostering trust and security.
