Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers capture biomarkers during growth, offering an extended history of alcohol and drug use. If collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only. "Body hair" covers all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, incorporating the sample into a laboratory’s system. It includes checking proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drug abuse. While cost-effective at ruling out drug use for most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples presumed positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The whole process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle below the scalp.
In Dumont, IA, hair follicle testing is the preferred choice over traditional urine tests due to its unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are limited by a shorter detection window, hair testing identifies drug use over a more extended period, providing a better assessment of an individual’s habits.
Employers in Dumont benefit from hair testing's superior detection capability, reducing the risk associated with hiring individuals with undisclosed substance use. This confidence in results promotes a safer, drug-free workplace environment.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Dumont, IA, is its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This enables employers to gain a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, far surpassing the limited reach of urine tests.
By utilizing hair testing, organizations can make informed decisions based on a detailed understanding of an individual's long-term drug use patterns. This ensures a thorough and insightful evaluation process, fostering a more secure workplace atmosphere in Dumont.
In Dumont, IA, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily manipulated, hair tests ensure the integrity of the sample from collection through analysis.
Businesses in Dumont can rely on these tests for unquestionable results, instilling trust and accuracy in their drug testing programs. This reliability solidifies hair testing as the go-to method for ensuring untainted results and maintaining workplace standards.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to testing services in Dumont, IA, with a network of local and nationwide centers. This widespread availability simplifies the process for individuals and companies seeking timely drug testing solutions.
The convenience of multiple locations promises quick, hassle-free testing, enabling residents and businesses in Dumont to engage with drug testing services without delay. This accessibility supports a seamless experience, enhancing customer satisfaction.
In Dumont, IA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing any privacy concerns. From ordering to conducting and receiving results, the process is straightforward, offering users a hassle-free experience.
This method ensures that sensitive information remains protected, fostering trust and ease of use for individuals and employers alike. The clarity and simplicity of hair testing procedures make it an appealing choice for those seeking discreet yet effective drug testing solutions.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Dumont, IA, offers excellent value to companies of all sizes. This affordability does not compromise on speed, as clients in Dumont can expect their results promptly.
By opting for hair testing, businesses enjoy the financial benefits and dependability of quick, reliable results. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency enhances employer satisfaction by providing a high-quality testing experience without breaking the budget.
In Dumont, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. These tests are designed to swiftly and accurately detect substance use, offering peace of mind to those seeking reliable results. With their advanced detection capabilities and quick processing times, they're a preferred choice for timely drug testing needs.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures that every test conducted provides genuine insights into an individual's substance history. This makes the method not only quick but also dependable, yielding consistent outcomes for both personal and professional purposes in Dumont.
Employers in Dumont, IA, who adopt hair follicle testing, secure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, alleviating potential legal challenges. This method enhances organizational safety by accurately identifying individuals who may compromise workplace integrity.
The use of hair testing strengthens efforts to maintain a drug-free environment, ensuring peace of mind for employers and creating a productive, responsible workforce in Dumont. This approach upholds both safety and legal standards efficiently.
