Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair can provide a lasting record of substance use, capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and other drugs usage history spanning roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing. For EtG, additional test panels above 10, 150mg is suggested. Measuring the sample's weight with a jeweler’s scale is advised. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary phases in lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initial sample processing into the lab setup. This involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not included by a digital chain of custody.
Screening checks quickly for common drugs. It’s a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug use for most samples, though a positive screen demands confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. In this stage, drug extraction occurs from hair at much lower levels than other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
A positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, gets reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is on the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Corydon, IA
When comparing hair and urine tests in Corydon, IA, hair testing emerges superior in offering greater detection accuracy. Hair tests analyze a longer history of substance use, giving a more comprehensive picture than traditional urine tests, highlighting their reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Corydon, IA
One major advantage hair follicle tests hold is their extended detection period, up to 90 days. This broad window allows employers in Corydon, IA to gain a fuller understanding of an individual's substance use history, promoting informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Corydon, IA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chances of tampering or adulteration. In Corydon, IA, these examinations are trusted for their ability to deliver reliable results that can't easily be manipulated, ensuring the integrity of the sampling process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Corydon, IA
With an array of testing facilities nationwide, including Corydon, IA, accessing hair follicle testing services is convenient and hassle-free. Our widespread network ensures easy access, making the testing process smooth and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Corydon, IA
The hair testing process in Corydon, IA is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be private and user-friendly, addressing any concerns regarding privacy effortlessly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Corydon, IA
Our hair follicle tests in Corydon, IA come with cost-effective pricing and rapid turnaround times. This offers companies of all sizes excellent value and assures them of quick and reliable results, enhancing peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Corydon, IA
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and trustworthy outcomes in Corydon, IA. Known for their precision, these tests deliver reliable detection of substance use. With a high degree of accuracy, hair testing is trusted for its ability to identify illicit drug use efficiently and effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Corydon, IA
Adopting hair follicle tests in the workplace helps employers in Corydon, IA maintain compliance with drug-free policies. These tests mitigate legal risks while boosting workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind.
