Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent instrument for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window of roughly up to 3 months for substances. It is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to dispatch.
A sample length of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in a laboratory drug test process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This process ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most cases; however, a positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are retrieved from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself concentrates on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Conrad, IA:
The advantages of hair testing shine when compared to traditional urine tests due to its superior accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window and resistance to tampering make it a top choice for those looking for thorough drug use assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Conrad, IA:
With hair follicle testing, drug use can be identified over a longer timeframe, typically up to 90 days. This gives employers a more comprehensive understanding of a person's drug use history, crucial for confident hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Conrad, IA:
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, offering results that are both trustworthy and conclusive. This reliability makes it an ideal solution for organizations that demand the utmost integrity in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Conrad, IA:
With a broad network of testing centers, accessing testing services is straightforward and hassle-free, guaranteeing that testing is convenient and efficient no matter where in the country or local area you reside.
Simple, Confidential Process in Conrad, IA:
The process for obtaining and conducting hair follicle tests is both straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of participation from start to finish, thereby maintaining confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Conrad, IA:
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery provide excellent value for businesses, making drug testing an accessible, efficient option for organizations of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Conrad, IA: Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and quick outcomes. Allowing for efficient substance detection, this method ensures results are both high-quality and prompt, minimizing delays in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Conrad, IA:
Using hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal vulnerabilities and enhancing safety in the workplace, thus providing employers with reassurance and compliance confidence.
