Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of substances by retaining biomarkers in its fibers. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. Reference to head hair implies scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test outcome involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an expedient preliminary examination for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective way to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive screening outcome needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), contributing to the complexities of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The process spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Calumet, IA, the benefits are clear. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy, capable of identifying drug use over an extended period. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair samples offer a more comprehensive analysis, leading to results that employers and agencies can trust for decision-making regarding employment and compliance.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of drug use, crucial for employers in Calumet, IA. This method captures a 90-day retrospective account of substance abuse, allowing for an extensive review of an individual's drug history. Such prolonged detection capability equips employers with a detailed perspective on an employee or applicant's commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Calumet, IA, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine tests, which can be compromised, hair samples are nearly impossible to adulterate. The collection process is supervised, and the physical attributes of hair make it unsuitable for any form of manipulation, ensuring the authenticity of results every time.
Calumet, IA benefits from convenient nationwide testing locations offered by Accredited Drug Testing. With our widespread network of centers, individuals requiring hair follicle testing can easily access our services. This extensive reach ensures that testing is a simple, hassle-free experience, providing both local and national coverage for optimal convenience.
Experience a simple, confidential process in Calumet, IA with our hair follicle testing services. From start to finish, our system is designed to protect your privacy, making the ordering, testing, and results procedures straightforward. We address all privacy concerns, ensuring your information is secure while you receive easy-to-understand test outcomes.
In Calumet, IA, our hair follicle testing service is known for its affordable pricing and fast turnaround. We offer competitive rates that provide excellent value, with efficient processes ensuring results are delivered promptly. Our pricing model accommodates businesses of various sizes, providing an economically sound choice alongside outstanding service reliability.
In Calumet, IA, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method proves to be swift in uncovering past substance use with a high degree of precision. The meticulous process ensures that each test is extensively verified to maintain the integrity of results, ensuring that employers receive the critical information they need without prolonged wait times.
Employers in Calumet, IA gain peace of mind and compliance assurance through hair follicle testing. This method aligns perfectly with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities. By adopting this testing strategy, businesses can foster a safer working environment, enhancing their commitment to upholding rigorous safety and conduct standards.
