Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fiber structure of the growing strand. When taken near the root, the hair can offer up to a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair is easy to gather, hard to alter, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is an optimal sample size for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. Measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary) are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab's system. This involves confirming that the specimen was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic custody record.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical technique to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive outcome needs confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation step.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other testing methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples with presumptively positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Breda, IA
Its success in identifying substance use provides essential insights for employers and courts alike, making it a superior choice.
Extended Detection Window in Breda, IA
Employers benefit from a clearer view of an individual's substance usage over time, helping in informed hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Breda, IA
This secure testing approach provides unquestionable results, crucial for sensitive assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Breda, IA
This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, making it both quick and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Breda, IA
Concerns regarding confidentiality and user-friendliness are effectively addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Breda, IA
This efficient combination provides both excellent value and reassurance for employers.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Breda, IA
These tests reduce waiting times while upholding accuracy, making them invaluable for timely decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Breda, IA
The reliability of hair tests offers peace of mind in maintaining compliance.
