Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance consumption over a period of up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a specimen amounting to 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair may be taken. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure of processing a drug test result in a laboratory involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample upon entering a lab's framework. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive screen results must be confirmed for them to hold up legally. Samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample and refined for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral liquid), which accounts for the difficulty in performing hair drug testing.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and meets ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Charlotte, IA
Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. These tests uncover drug use over a more extended period, ensuring higher trust in results due to their resistance to evasion tactics.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests excel in detecting substances within a 90-day span. This comprehensive coverage provides a more reliable assessment of one's substance use history, aiding in improved oversight.
Extended Detection Window with Hair Testing in Charlotte, IA
Employers benefit from hair follicle tests as they reveal an individual's drug use history over about 90 days. This broader detection range grants organizations a well-rounded view of an applicant's or employee's behavior.
The expansive detection window of hair testing significantly surpasses that of traditional methods, offering a more comprehensive substance use profile that can critically inform hiring or monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing: Reliable Results in Charlotte, IA
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring test integrity. The testing process is designed to resist adulteration fully, providing unquestionable results and building trust with users.
By drastically reducing the chances of cheating, hair tests deliver credible outcomes. This reliability rests in their stringent sample collection and analysis methodologies, safeguarding result authenticity.
Accessible Testing: Convenient Locations in Charlotte, IA
Our nationwide centers provide easy and quick access to hair follicle testing services. In Charlotte, IA, benefiting from localized services simplifies the testing process, enhancing client experience and satisfaction.
The strategically located centers ensure hassle-free testing experiences, facilitating seamless drug screening processes for individuals and organizations alike, underscoring service efficiency.
Confidential Hair Testing: Simple Process in Charlotte, IA
Hair follicle testing upholds confidentiality while offering a straightforward process from ordering to result retrieval. This privacy-focused approach reassures clients about the process's security.
The simplicity and discretion of the testing process cater to clients' privacy concerns. By simplifying the testing steps, it enhances user convenience without compromising the confidentiality quality.
Affordable Hair Testing: Cost-Effective Solutions in Charlotte, IA
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround define our hair follicle testing services. This approach provides excellent value for businesses of all scales, ensuring timely results without financial strain.
Our commitment to balance cost efficiency with rapid service delivery sets us apart. By maintaining affordable hair testing, we ensure every company can access top-notch drug screening without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable: Hair Testing in Charlotte, IA
Experience the precision of hair follicle testing. Offering results with unmatched accuracy, these tests quickly identify substance use, making them a preferred choice for those seeking reliable drug screening solutions.
Hair testing's high accuracy provides dependable outcomes, proving its superiority over alternative testing methods. It ensures stakeholders get timely and precise reports necessary for informed decision-making.
Peace of Mind through Compliance in Charlotte, IA
Hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free policies and enhance workplace safety. By implementing such reliable testing methods, firms mitigate legal risks and uphold compliance seamlessly.
Adopting hair testing reinforces a company's commitment to a drug-free environment. This proactive measure offers employers unmatched peace of mind while protecting operational integrity and employee welfare.