Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an influential method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair strands capture biomarkers within the fibers, providing an extensive history of alcohol and other drug consumption. When hair samples are collected near the scalp, they offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, amounts to 100mg of hair—the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, the allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not supply.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples with a presumptive positive from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extricated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The overall laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the review of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Edgewood, IA, hair follicle testing exceeds traditional urine tests in several aspects. Their superior detection range and reliability are unmatched, offering a vivid overview of individual substance habits.
Why choose hair testing?
Employers prefer them for a reason: their detailed substance use analysis.
Hair follicle screening in Edgewood, IA, offers an extensive detection window, reviewing drug use up to 90 days prior. This gives employers a broader understanding of an individual’s substance history.
Key advantages:
For a thorough review of an applicant’s habits, hair testing's detection window is unparalleled.
With hair follicle testing in Edgewood, IA, the risk of sample tampering is largely minimized. It delivers results you can trust, removing any doubts about sample authenticity.
Features:
Individuals cannot alter their test results easily, ensuring true and fair findings.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to hair follicle testing in Edgewood, IA, and across the Nation. With various locations, testing services are accessible and efficient.
Convenience highlights:
Eliminate hassle and enjoy seamless process in accessing necessary tests.
In Edgewood, IA, the hair testing process is straightforward and private, addressing any confidentiality concerns head-on. From ordering to receiving results, simplicity is key.
Advantages:
Put your mind at ease with a system that respects and upholds privacy.
Hair follicle testing in Edgewood, IA, is not only fast but cost-efficient, providing excellent value for businesses of every size.
Standout features:
With quick turnaround times, enjoy the blend of affordability and speed.
Edgewood, IA benefits from quick and precise hair follicle drug testing. These tests are renowned for their exactness, ensuring reliable detection of any substance use. Whether reviewing recent or more past uses, hair tests provide high accuracy that stands out in the field.
The rapid and reliable outcomes from hair follicle tests assure both individuals and organizations seeking trusted results. Equipped with advanced technology, these tests highlight substance presence effectively.
Employers in Edgewood, IA, find peace of mind with hair follicle tests. Ensuring compliance with drug-free policies, they play a crucial role in maintaining workplace safety.
Benefits for employers:
An employer’s choice for guaranteeing a secure and compliant environment.
