Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longer-term history regarding alcohol and other substances because it traps biomarkers within the fiber structure of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers around a 90-day detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Gathering hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG or expanded panels beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When we discuss head hair, we mean hair on the scalp only. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the first phase of entering a sample into a lab's records. This entails ensuring that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, creating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entries from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-efficient procedure to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive result needs further confirmation to be legally permissible. Any samples indicating a possible positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample gives a positive indication in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than methods like urine or oral fluid tests, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Any Screening-identified positive is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are cleansed as required before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bridgewater, IA
In Bridgewater, IA, hair follicle testing is favored over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests reveal drug use over an extended period, providing a clear history of substance use.
Urine tests often miss recent or sporadic drug use, whereas hair tests reliably capture such data, making them more effective for employers and legal systems.
Extended Detection Window in Bridgewater, IA
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection period, up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a deeper understanding of an individual’s substance history. This comprehensive overview is unmatched by other testing methods.
Employers in Bridgewater benefit from these tests by identifying consistent drug patterns, which urine testing might overlook due to their shorter detection periods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bridgewater, IA
Hair follicle tests in Bridgewater significantly lower the risks of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, the hair testing process provides results that are reliable and beyond dispute.
This method prevents attempts at sample adulteration, maintaining the integrity of the results for peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bridgewater, IA
Our testing centers’ nationwide presence, including in Bridgewater, provides easy access to drug testing services. This network guarantees swift and hassle-free evaluation processes.
Local availability in Bridgewater ensures that testing is as accessible and prompt as possible, meeting the diverse needs of clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bridgewater, IA
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward, ensuring confidentiality in Bridgewater, IA. From ordering to results, every step is designed to respect privacy.
Clients can confidently engage with our services knowing their personal data and testing outcomes remain secure and undisclosed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bridgewater, IA
Our competitive pricing structure in Bridgewater makes hair follicle tests accessible to businesses of all sizes, along with a quick turnaround time, ensuring efficient operations.
The combination of affordability and speed provides significant value, supporting budget-conscious companies without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bridgewater, IA
Hair follicle tests deliver quick, precise results, making them highly effective in identifying substance use. The method boasts high accuracy and reliability compared to other tests, ensuring confidence in the outcomes.
Speed is a standout feature of hair testing. Results are processed efficiently, allowing individuals and organizations to make timely decisions based on the findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bridgewater, IA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps Bridgewater employers ensure workplace policy compliance, minimizing legal liabilities. This testing method supports a drug-free environment, elevating workplace safety.
Employers achieve peace of mind knowing they adhere to regulations, enforcing zero-tolerance policies effectively.
