Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing an extended history of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, or tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a proportional collection of body hair may be utilized. By 'head hair', we mean scalp hair exclusively. In contrast, 'body hair' includes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The four key steps in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample within a lab's infrastructure. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody pathway.
Screening involves an initial assessment to detect drug abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that preliminarily test positive in Screening must go through a secondary validation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably reduced concentration than seen in other methods (like urine or oral fluid tests), explaining why hair drug testing is a complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All preliminary positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the process examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Clarinda, IA. Hair testing offers a superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. Its longer detection period provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, making it a reliable choice for environments enforcing strict drug policies. Hair tests help in capturing a broader spectrum of drug use scenarios.
Extended Detection Window in Clarinda, IA. Hair follicle testing has a remarkable ability to detect drug use over a longer period, often capturing usage up to 90 days back. This feature offers employers and organizations a thorough insight into the substance habits of employees or candidates, proving invaluable for shaping informed decisions and maintaining a safe work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Clarinda, IA. Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, ensuring that the results remain reliable and unquestionable. This method significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration, providing clear, truthful results that stand up to scrutiny. It is a preferred choice for maintaining testing integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Clarinda, IA. Our testing services are easily accessible, supported by a network of centers nationwide. Regardless of your locality, you can enjoy quick, straightforward testing experiences without undue hassle, ensuring you get the services you need when you need them.
Simple, Confidential Process in Clarinda, IA. The process for ordering and conducting a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet, addressing any privacy concerns effectively. From booking to receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly, giving individuals confidence in secure and confidential handling of their information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Clarinda, IA. We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times. This balance ensures that businesses of different sizes can access excellent value, while also enjoying peace of mind delivered by timely and efficient services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Clarinda, IA. Our hair follicle drug tests are known for their exceptional precision. These tests offer a rapid diagnostic tool, quickly pinpointing substance use. Their speed and accuracy ensure reliable outcomes, contributing to better decision-making processes, whether for hiring or compliance purposes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Clarinda, IA. Implementing hair follicle testing in workplaces boosts compliance with drug-free policies. It minimizes legal risks, promoting a safe and secure environment. Employers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that they adhere to required standards while also caring for the well-being of their staff.
