Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers in the hair's fibers, hair offers a prolonged timeline of substance use. When samples are cut near the scalp, they can reveal a history of alcohol and drug use spanning up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample weight of 150mg is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of analyzing a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab's system by checking the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry necessary beyond an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result demands confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptively positive Screening samples require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample is readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid). Consequently, hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies.
Any positive Screening result is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed if needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ellston, IA, hair follicle testing is a superior choice compared to conventional urine tests for several reasons. Its accuracy in drug detection far exceeds traditional methods.
In Ellston, IA, hair follicle testing provides an extended window to detect drug use. Over a span of up to 90 days, these tests offer a comprehensive review of a person’s substance history.
Tamper-resistance is a key feature of hair follicle testing in Ellston, IA. These tests significantly lower the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring authenticity.
Accessing hair follicle testing in Ellston, IA is made easy with our locations.
Enjoy a simple and confidential testing process in Ellston, IA with our hair follicle services.
In Ellston, IA, our hair follicle tests are both affordable and swiftly delivered.
Ellston, IA residents seeking fast and precise drug testing can rely on hair follicle tests. Known for their high accuracy, these tests detect substance use with remarkable precision.
Hair follicle testing in Ellston, IA helps employers achieve compliance and peace of mind. This method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks.
