Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair’s growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of nearly three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hairs (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. Should scalp hair be unattainable, a similar volume of body hair is acceptable. Specifically referring to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in processing a drug test in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial introduction of a specimen into the lab's system. This step confirms the specimen was properly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any data gaps not addressed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most specimens, a confirmed result is necessary for court acceptance. Any samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug tests are among the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The Superiority of Hair Follicle Testing
Compared to urine testing, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy. In Donnellson, IA, this method is valued for its ability to capture a longer history of substance use, providing a clear advantage for employers and professionals enforcing strict drug policies.
Traditional urine tests often fall short in reliability, especially for past substance consumption. Hair tests deliver a longer detection window, making them an ideal choice for comprehensive assessments.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Donnellson, IA, offers a significant benefit with its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history.
Unlike other testing methods, hair tests reveal a broader scope of substance use over time, offering a reliable insight into an applicant or employee's habits, crucial for determining eligibility or conformity with workplace standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing
In Donnellson, IA, hair follicle testing is lauded for its resistance to tampering. This method dramatically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, with collection being directly observed to ensure integrity.
The robust nature of hair testing ensures that the results are reliable and undisputed, providing peace of mind to employers and individuals that the results reflect true substance use behavior.
Convenient Testing Locations
With nationwide testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing is easy and hassle-free in Donnellson, IA. Our local presence ensures that people and businesses can quickly avail of these crucial services.
The convenience of our wide testing network means that individuals can find a suitable location easily, ensuring timely testing and results without the fuss of extensive travel or delays.
Simple and Confidential Process
Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle testing in Donnellson, IA, is straightforward and confidential. Our process ensures user privacy at every step, addressing any privacy concerns.
From the initial contact to obtaining results, our system is designed to be user-friendly, making it simple for individuals and employers to navigate without compromising confidentiality.
Affordable and Fast Services
In Donnellson, IA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Our service structure provides excellent value while maintaining high testing standards.
Our efficient process ensures that businesses of all sizes can benefit from reliable testing without excessive costs, ensuring results are returned swiftly to aid in timely decision-making or compliance checks.
Fast and Reliable Results
In Donnellson, IA, hair follicle drug testing offers both speed and precision in detecting substance use. With advanced technology, these tests deliver quick results, allowing employers and individuals to obtain accurate outcomes efficiently.
The meticulous nature of hair testing technology ensures high accuracy, making it a preferred choice for those requiring dependable detection methods. This reliability is crucial for making informed decisions in sensitive situations.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
Employing hair follicle tests in Donnellson, IA, helps businesses comply with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and minimizing legal risks. These tests ensure that workplace rules are upheld rigorously and reliably.
Employers can rest assured that the testing process supports legal compliance, aiding in maintaining a safer, healthier working environment while reducing the chances of drug-related incidents at work.
