Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period extending up to roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and is easily shippable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches composed of around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verifying. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory processing of a sample into the lab's system, which involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening denotes an initial rapid assessment for prohibited drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to potentially eliminate drug presence for most samples, a positive screening must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and is readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations relative to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug testing the most challenging method to perform.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab procedure is examined 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 labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Evansdale, IA, is clear to see. Hair tests provide a longer detection window and are considered to be more effective in identifying substance use than urine tests. With accuracy that stretches beyond the limitations of standard urine testing, hair samples deliver a more reliable assessment.
One of the notable advantages of hair follicle testing in Evansdale, IA, is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it gives a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This breadth of information allows employers to make more informed decisions.
Evansdale, IA, benefits from hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant drug testing method. The inherent nature of the process ensures that samples cannot be easily adulterated, thus providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This reduces risk and increases trustworthiness in the results.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Evansdale, IA, access to drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread locations make it easy for individuals and companies to get the tests they need without delay, ensuring prompt and efficient service no matter where you are located.
In Evansdale, IA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to respect privacy and ease of use. Individuals can have confidence in the discretion and simplicity of the process, addressing concerns of confidentiality.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, Evansdale, IA, hair follicle testing provides exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive pricing structures and rapid results, ensuring peace of mind and financial efficiency while maintaining the highest standards in drug testing services.
When it comes to precision and speed in drug testing, hair follicle tests in Evansdale, IA, stand out. Their unmatched accuracy ensures that even the smallest trace of substance use is detected reliably. This method reduces errors, offering peace of mind with results you can trust.
Unlike traditional methods, hair testing is not just swift but also incredibly accurate, ensuring reliable outcomes.
Employers in Evansdale, IA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing. This method helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety overall. Thorough testing equates to maintaining a secure work environment.
