Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive chronological record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fiber. When harvested near the scalp, hair can deliver up to an approximately 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG assessments, supplementary analyses, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This stage involves verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening conducts an initial swift examination for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be affirmed to be legally valid. Any samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is assumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from the hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening represents the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coralville, IA Opt for hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests for superior detection accuracy. Hair tests ensure reliable identification of substances, providing clear advantages, especially in discerning long-term drug use patterns. Trustworthiness in results positions hair tests as a preferred method.
Extended Detection Window in Coralville, IA Hair follicle testing stands out by identifying drug use for up to 90 days. Providing a wider perspective on an individual's historical substance use, it enables employers to assess more accurately, ensuring that substance policies are upheld. This advantage supports better hiring decisions and employee evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coralville, IA Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of tampering, securing reliable results. These tests offer peace of mind by ensuring sample integrity, making them a trustworthy alternative. This tamper resistance makes them ideal for maintaining authenticity in testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coralville, IA Accessing drug testing services is effortless with our nationwide centers, including those in Coralville. Experience quick, hassle-free testing that aligns with the busy schedules of individuals and businesses alike. Ease and accessibility are central to our service offering.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coralville, IA Our testing procedure is straightforward and private, ensuring all steps from ordering to receiving results are handled with discretion. Privacy remains our priority, allowing you to focus on other significant matters with the assurance that your information remains secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coralville, IA Competitive pricing and quick results define our services, highlighting the value we deliver to businesses of all sizes. Affordable costs coupled with swift turnarounds make hair follicle testing an attractive option, providing confidence and financial efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coralville, IA Hair follicle drug testing offers precision and speed in detecting substance use. Its accuracy makes it an excellent choice for obtaining reliable results quickly. Keeping pace with the fast-moving environments in Coralville, precise testing leads to informed decision-making and reduced risk.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coralville, IA Adopting hair follicle testing assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and boosts safety, fostering a more secure work environment. Employers gain confidence knowing that their policies are effectively enforced.
