Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a robust method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. The structure of hair captures long-standing evidence of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair's strands. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG analyses, additional panels beyond 10, or both, a specimen quantity of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. 'Head hair' refers solely to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes other hair types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process of drug test evaluation primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample enters the laboratory's system. It includes confirming the sample's secure sealing and appropriate shipment, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data that an electronic chain of custody may not provide.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive outcomes require confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample showing a presumptive positive during Screening necessitates further secondary confirmation.
For samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a complex methodology.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed as necessary before Confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis fundamentally focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Calamus, IA - Hair testing's advantage in drug detection reliability surpasses traditional urine tests, allowing for thorough review with less manipulation risk.
Superior Detection - Hair tests offer an extended review duration of drug use that urine tests cannot match, proving to be an indispensable tool for detailed analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Calamus, IA - Hair follicle testing uncovers drug use over a considerable period—up to 90 days—providing a more complete picture of an individual's substance history.
Comprehensive Insight - Employers gain significant insight into an applicant or employee’s drug use, allowing for informed decision-making with an extensive drug use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Calamus, IA - Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize sample tampering, yielding unquestionable and dependable results.
Unquestionable Integrity - The robust nature of these tests deters adulteration, securing results that stakeholders can trust and act upon confidently.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Calamus, IA - Our extensive network of testing centers facilitates quick, seamless access to testing services with ease.
Accessibility and Convenience - Situated nationwide, our locations are optimized for accessibility, minimizing the hassle of long-distance travel for testing purposes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Calamus, IA - The private and straightforward procedure for ordering and obtaining results is tailored to address privacy concerns effectively.
Confidentiality at Its Core - Smooth, discreet testing processes ensure client privacy, enhancing user confidence and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Calamus, IA - Our competitive pricing models paired with rapid results provide exceptional value to businesses of varying sizes.
Value and Efficiency - Affordable solutions combined with quick turnaround reinforce client satisfaction and trust, catering to diverse organizational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Calamus, IA - Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift processing and precise outcomes. The comprehensive detection capability leads to the accurate identification of substance use.
Precision and Speed - These tests ensure quick turnaround times, ensuring that results are both reliable and prompt, making it an optimal choice for immediate needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Calamus, IA - Utilizing hair follicle testing upholds workplace drug-free policies, cutting down on legal risks while boosting workplace safety.
Ensuring Safety and Compliance - Hair testing not only ensures adherence to policy but also promotes a secure and healthy work environment.
