Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It offers a comprehensive history of substance interaction, capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. By acquiring a sample near the scalp, a detection timeframe of up to 90 days for substances can be achieved. This method of sample collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and conveniently transportable.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the perfect sample size for initial screenings and verifications. For additional verifications, such as EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg hair specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. Here, head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four core stages in processing a drug test result at the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's records. It incorporates verifying that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data input not covered by an electronic system for chain of custody.
The Screening phase involves an initial check for drug presence. Although it provides an affordable means to dismiss substance usage for most samples, any tentative positive results require confirmation for legal validity. Samples with positive preliminary results mandate further confirmation.
In cases of preliminary positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as in urine or saliva tests), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before the confirmation stage if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these analyses actually examine the hair strand, not the follicle located under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Cylinder, IA by offering a longer detection window. While urine tests can identify recent usage, hair tests can uncover drug use history over months, providing a reliable and comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use patterns. This capability makes hair testing the preferred choice for those looking for thoroughness and accuracy in results.
In Cylinder, IA, hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers to gain deeper insights into an applicant or employee’s history with substances, far surpassing the capabilities of shorter-term testing methods like urine tests. This leads to better-informed hiring and retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Cylinder, IA provides a tamper-resistant method for identifying drug use. Its collection and testing process significantly reduce the chances of sample contamination or tampering, ensuring that results remain reliable and immune to fraudulent activities. This makes it a trustworthy option for employers and legal institutions alike.
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including Cylinder, IA, our services offer convenience and accessibility. Individuals and organizations can easily access testing facilities, ensuring seamless and efficient drug testing processes. Our extensive coverage simplifies the logistics of testing, making drug screening a hassle-free experience.
In Cylinder, IA, our hair testing service boasts a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering the test to receiving the results, simplicity and privacy are prioritized. Individuals can trust that their testing activities are handled discreetly, with ease of use and confidentiality underpinning every step of the process.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround in Cylinder, IA, our hair follicle testing service provides exceptional value. Companies of varying sizes benefit from affordable rates without sacrificing quality or speed, ensuring they receive value while maintaining robust drug testing protocols. This affordability and efficiency ensure timely and cost-effective testing solutions.
Available in Cylinder, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer swift and accurate results. These tests boast higher precision in identifying substance use compared to traditional methods. With fast processing times, individuals and employers can rely on these tests for quick confirmations of substance use, facilitating prompt decision-making in various settings.
Deploying hair follicle testing in Cylinder, IA aids in maintaining compliance with workplace policies, providing peace of mind for employers. It reduces the potential for legal issues and enhances overall workplace safety, reinforcing a drug-free environment. The rigorous testing process helps ensure only drug-free individuals contribute to the workplace culture.
