Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair shaft. If acquired close to the scalp, hair can offer up to about a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to obtain, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hairs (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other kinds (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab process for determining a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into a lab’s database. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result from screening must be verified to stand in legal proceedings. Any samples that come up presumptively positive require further confirmation.
If a sample results in a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the starting sample and prepared for Extraction. During this process, substances are extracted from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation of any positive outcome from screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair title and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair shaft rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Charleston, IA
Hair follicle testing in Charleston, IA, outperforms traditional urine tests in several areas. The unmatched detection accuracy and extended window make hair testing more reliable for detecting substance use. This method enables effective identification of long-term drug usage, a clear advantage over urine tests, which are typically limited to shorter detection periods.
Employers in Charleston, IA, are opting for hair follicle tests over urine-based methods, recognizing superior reliability in outcomes. The extended detection capabilities and accuracy of hair testing facilitate more effective enforcement of zero-tolerance policies, providing a better understanding of an individual's substance history than urine tests can offer.
Extended Detection Window in Charleston, IA
Employers in Charleston, IA, appreciate hair follicle tests for their significantly extended detection window. This testing method allows for drug use tracking over up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history. By capturing longer-term drug use, employers can make more informed decisions regarding their employees and applicants.
Extended detection windows offered by hair follicle tests ensure Charleston, IA, employers can gauge substance use histories effectively. This ability to detect drug usage over three months empowers companies with crucial data to enforce policies and ensure a drug-free workplace, enhancing overall workplace safety and productivity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Charleston, IA
Charleston, IA's hair follicle tests boast effective tamper-resistant qualities, minimizing sample tampering risks. This reliable testing method provides unquestionable results, upholding the integrity of the drug testing process for employers and individuals alike. Such tamper-proof testing ensures validity and accuracy in substance use detection.
Employers in Charleston, IA, benefit from the resilient security of hair follicle testing against adulteration. This method significantly decreases the likelihood of tampered samples, preserving the authenticity of results and ensuring confidence that the test outcomes are genuine and reflective of actual substance use by the tested individual.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Charleston, IA
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with nationwide centers, including those in Charleston, IA. The wide availability of testing locations facilitates quick and hassle-free access, making the process of drug testing straightforward and efficient for employers and individuals needing reliable results.
In Charleston, IA, and across the country, our extensive network of testing centers simplifies the drug testing experience. This easy access promotes seamless integration of hair follicle testing into the routines of businesses and individuals alike, guaranteeing that testing services are never more than a short trip away, making them both readily accessible and convenient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Charleston, IA
In Charleston, IA, hair follicle testing is designed to be a simple and confidential process. From ordering to obtaining results, the process is hassle-free and prioritizes privacy. This approach addresses any concerns related to confidentiality and maneuverability, ensuring that individuals can engage in testing without worry.
The testing procedure in Charleston, IA, is streamlined and discreet, ensuring ease of use and confidentiality at every stage. By simplifying the steps involved and maintaining rigorous personal privacy standards, individuals and employers can be confident in both the security and effectiveness of the drug testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Charleston, IA
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times define hair follicle drug testing in Charleston, IA, offering exceptional value. By maintaining reasonable costs, employers across all scales gain access to quality testing services without financial strain, ensuring a practical choice for drug detection needs in any business scenario.
Charleston, IA, prides itself on providing affordable and expedient hair follicle testing solutions. Our quick response with testing results means companies can act swiftly, gaining trustworthy and economically viable service. This consideration for pricing and speed ensures comprehensive support without compromising on quality or value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Charleston, IA
In Charleston, IA, hair follicle drug testing is championed for its precision and speed. Unlike other testing methods, this approach ensures high accuracy, providing definitive insights into substance use. Whether for employers or individuals, the reliability of hair testing makes it a superior choice in yielding trustworthy results in a timely manner.
With a commitment to excellence, hair follicle tests in Charleston, IA, offer prompt results that are both dependable and swift. This efficiency allows stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence, knowing that the accuracy of substance detection is uncompromised, ensuring that the testing process is both smooth and effective.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Charleston, IA
Hair follicle testing in Charleston, IA, offers employers compliance assurance with drug-free workplace policies, thus fostering a culture of safety and responsibility. Relying on hair testing helps reduce legal risks for companies and bolster a secure working environment, giving employers peace of mind and ensuring a healthier workspace.
The use of hair follicle tests aligns Charleston, IA, businesses with necessary regulatory requirements. By ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace guidelines, these tests promote responsible practices, heighten workplace safety, and decrease potential liabilities, providing employers the comfort of compliance and fostering trust and stability among their workforce.
