Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug markers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected from the scalp area, hair offers an approximate detection range of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, containing about 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG examinations, additional tests, or screenings exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab system, which involves verifying the specimen’s seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry if not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary, rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, positive screens require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a concentration noticeably lower than in other methods (for instance, urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", these analyses examine the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Davenport, IA, offers clear advantages. Hair testing excels in detection accuracy and dependability.
Hair tests provide a more extensive detection window, surpassing that of urine tests, leading to superior evaluation of substance use histories.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended observation period of up to 90 days in Davenport, IA. This method gives employers a thorough view of an individual's drug use history.
Employers seeking detailed substance use profiles should consider the long detection range that hair testing provides, going beyond standard short-term assays.
The hair follicle testing method significantly diminishes the possibility of tampering in Davenport, IA. This ensures results remain credible and unchallenged.
Employers can trust hair tests for their highly resistant nature against manipulation, preserving the integrity of the results offered.
With numerous nationwide and local testing facilities, including in Davenport, IA, accessing drug testing services is seamless and convenient.
Our widespread testing locations ensure easy access for individuals and employers, enhancing the overall experience by being hassle-free and straightforward.
Our process in Davenport, IA, is designed to be straightforward and discreet. Ordering, taking, and reviewing results is seamless, ensuring confidentiality at every step.
The simple steps involved alleviate concerns about privacy, making the entire procedure user-friendly and confidential.
In Davenport, IA, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and swift result turnaround, delivering excellent value to businesses.
Our cost-effective pricing framework, coupled with speedy results, provides peace of mind to companies of varying sizes.
In Davenport, IA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. They stand out for their accurate detection of substance use, ensuring reliable results.
With fast processing times, these tests quickly verify drug presence, providing trustworthy outcomes for employers and individuals alike.
In Davenport, IA, integrating hair follicle testing into workplace drug policies promotes adherence to drug-free standards, mitigating legal concerns.
This testing approach enhances safety and fosters a secure work environment, giving peace of mind to both employers and employees.