Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly valued for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged substance history by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to three months. This method is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches or approximately 200 strands, pencil width, near the scalp gives about 100mg of hair, enough for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, 150mg is ideal. It's advised to measure the weight of the hair using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types like facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The lab processes involved in drug testing are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in processing a sample in a lab system. It involves confirming the proper seal and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data that might not be covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary test for substance abuse. It serves as a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, but a preliminary positive result needs confirmation for legal admission. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases with presumptive positives from the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening notably challenging to perform.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Chillicothe, IA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, hair testing offers an improved level of precision, detecting drug use over a longer period, which is especially beneficial in ensuring thorough screenings.
This testing method provides employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals with a significantly longer detection window, enhancing the identification of substance abuse patterns, making it a preferred choice over urine testing.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing in Chillicothe, IA is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests can track drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a more detailed account of an individual's substance use history.
This extended window allows employers to better assess an applicant or current employee's long-term drug use patterns, providing a more comprehensive view than what short-term tests can offer.
Hair follicle tests in Chillicothe, IA offer a tamper-resistant approach, minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. The inherent nature of hair collection makes it difficult for individuals to alter the sample, ensuring reliable and authentic results.
The observed collection process further fortifies the integrity of the test, assuring that the results are free from manipulation and are a true reflection of the individual's substance use.
Our network of testing centers in Chillicothe, IA and nationwide ensures convenient access to drug testing services. With locations spread across the country, you can quickly and easily access these tests without hassle.
Whether you're local or traveling, the availability of nearby testing centers guarantees that testing can be conducted efficiently, adding to the convenience and accessibility of the service.
In Chillicothe, IA, the process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined to ensure ease of use while maintaining privacy throughout the procedure.
The emphasis on a straightforward process ensures that users can engage in testing without concerns about the complexity or confidentiality of their personal information.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Chillicothe, IA provides exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that businesses can make economically sound decisions without compromising on the quality of testing.
The efficiency in delivering results further adds to the appeal, offering companies quick insights while maintaining budget-friendly options.
Hair follicle drug tests in Chillicothe, IA provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. They are known for their remarkable precision and speed in confirming substance use, offering highly reliable outcomes. The advanced technology used in analyzing hair samples ensures that the findings you receive are both quick and accurate.
This method of testing is highly regarded for its accuracy in tracing substances used by an individual. The quick turnaround time for results makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for those seeking results that are both prompt and trustworthy.
For employers in Chillicothe, IA, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, helping reduce legal risks while promoting a safer working environment.
Utilizing hair testing aligns with company protocols and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety and compliance.
