Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by locking biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resilient against tampering, and is conveniently shipped.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (close to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we are referring exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes checking that the sample is sealed and sent correctly, giving it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial quick assessment for potential drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. All samples that screen presumptively positive require further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen and set for Extraction. Here, drugs are pulled from hair at much lower concentrations as compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples that test presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Outperforms Urine Tests: In Bradgate, IA, hair drug tests are increasingly favored over traditional urine testing for their superior accuracy and reliability in detecting substance use.
With a longer detection window, hair tests effectively uncover long-term drug use, enhancing the reliability of results compared to urine tests, which remain superior for very recent usage.
Extended Detection Window: The hair follicle test in Bradgate, IA, offers prolonged detection of drug use—extending up to 90 days. This window provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history.
Hair testing delivers a broader window to monitor drug use, especially beneficial for employers long interested in an employee's past.
Tamper-Resistant Testing: Hair follicle tests in Bradgate, IA, provide a tamper-proof method for drug screening, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.
These tests are chosen for their integrity, ensuring results are reliable and accurate, offering a trustworthy solution to those seeking genuine outcomes in substance use detection.
Nationwide and Local Testing Convenience: Access to hair follicle testing in Bradgate, IA, and nationwide assures swift, seamless service, aiding clients in quickly meeting their drug testing needs.
With conveniently situated locations, our network ensures hassle-free access, catering to varied geographical needs with ease.
Confidential and Simple Procedure: In Bradgate, IA, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward, maintaining user confidentiality throughout.
From ordering to receiving results, users navigate a secure, easy system that respects privacy, critical for user assurance and satisfaction in drug testing.
Affordable and Rapid Service: Our competitive pricing in Bradgate, IA, and fast turnaround times provide excellent value, catering to businesses of varying sizes.
Cost-effective and efficient services ensure companies reap value with quick, reliable solutions to their testing needs, fostering peace of mind.
Fast and Reliable Results: In Bradgate, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and reliable outcomes. Their precision ensures an accurate reflection of substance use, catering to employers' needs.
By prioritizing accuracy, these tests in Bradgate confidently detect substance use, providing a dependable basis for decision-making.
Peace of Mind Through Compliance: Opting for hair follicle testing in Bradgate, IA, ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks.
Employers can trust the method to support safer work environments by aligning with compliance standards, thereby fostering trust and safety within the workplace.
