Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. Note that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Summary
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample entering a lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While it’s a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Carlisle, IA, hair follicle testing sets itself apart by presenting superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. This method offers a longer detection window, providing a more comprehensive view of substance use, making it a preferred choice for employers seeking reliable testing results.
Hair tests ensure a more precise detection method by analyzing longer periods of substance use history, whereas urine tests only capture recent usage. This makes hair testing the more effective choice for those enforcing drug-free workplace policies.
Employers in Carlisle, IA, benefit greatly from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. This method can reveal drug use over a much longer span—up to 90 days—giving a thorough view of an individual's substance use history.
By offering insights into long-term habits, hair tests empower employers to assess potential hires and current employees more comprehensively, promoting a healthier and more productive workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Carlisle, IA, significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. This method ensures reliability by providing results that are nearly impossible to adulterate, making it an invaluable tool for employers focused on maintaining integrity in their drug testing processes.
With its tamper-resistant nature, hair testing presents results that are trustworthy and consistent, crucial in environments where accurate test outcomes are vital to safety and compliance.
With numerous nationwide testing centers available, including convenient locations in Carlisle, IA, accessing hair follicle testing services is both quick and hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that our clients have easy access to testing wherever they are.
This accessibility simplifies the testing process, providing clients with convenient service without the stress of long travel distances or extensive waiting times, making it an ideal choice for businesses and individuals alike.
Accredited Drug Testing in Carlisle, IA, provides a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering a test to receiving results, clients can enjoy a seamless experience that prioritizes their privacy and ease of use.
The simplicity and discretion of the testing process ensure that concerns about confidentiality are addressed, making hair testing an appealing option for those requiring secure and private assessment of substance use.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Carlisle, IA, an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. Accredited Drug Testing offers economical solutions without compromising on quality, providing excellent value for our clients.
Our efficient processes ensure that results are delivered promptly, allowing companies to swiftly act on the information provided, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency within the workplace.
The precision and rapid performance of hair follicle tests are significant, offering fast, accurate detection of substance abuse for individuals in Carlisle, IA. Hair testing is renowned for its high accuracy in identifying drug use, distinguishing itself from traditional methods by offering a reliable evaluation of substance use habits.
The speed at which results are delivered ensures employers can make timely decisions based on reliable data. With such efficient testing, workplaces can uphold safety and compliance standards with ease, keeping Carlisle's businesses running smoothly.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Carlisle, IA, means ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This gives employers peace of mind, knowing they minimize legal risks and enhance workplace safety by choosing a testing method that is both comprehensive and reliable.
Employers opting for hair tests demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a secure and drug-free work environment, reinforcing trust and responsibility within their organizations.
