Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations are recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended timeline of alcohol and various drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal an approximate 3-month detection duration for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to alter, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch fragment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it signifies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four foundational phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This consists of confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data that isn’t available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening must be validated to be deemed acceptable in court. Any samples that seem positive in Screening do require an additional confirmation.
If a sample is seemingly positive in the Screening step, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening considerably more complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All likely positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in Ewart, IA due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair tests provide insight into long-term substance use, making them ideal for comprehensive evaluations. This advantage highlights their effectiveness in substance abuse prevention.
In Ewart, IA, one of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of past drug use. This feature provides employers with a detailed overview of an employee's substance history, assisting in making informed decisions about workplace safety and productivity.
The hair follicle testing conducted in Ewart, IA minimizes the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring tamper-resistant results. This method significantly reduces the chance of manipulation, delivering unquestionable outcomes that help maintain integrity and trust in drug testing procedures.
In Ewart, IA, our hair follicle testing is supported by convenient nationwide testing locations. These centers, coupled with local availability, ensure that accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free. With such widespread facilities, individuals and employers can easily meet their drug testing needs.
The process for hair follicle testing in Ewart, IA is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients experience a seamless procedure, ensuring privacy throughout. This ease of use addresses any apprehensions related to confidentiality and the overall simplicity of the testing process.
In Ewart, IA, hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, offering excellent value for companies, regardless of their size. This competitive pricing structure, paired with rapid results, ensures businesses can maintain cost-effective and timely drug screening practices.
Hair follicle testing in Ewart, IA offers fast and accurate results. The precision in identifying substance use makes it a preferred choice. With a thorough analysis of hair samples, this method efficiently detects various substances and provides reliable results promptly. Its high accuracy is a boon for both individuals and organizations seeking clarity in drug use screening.
Employers in Ewart, IA benefit from using hair follicle testing due to its role in promoting compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety by reliably identifying substance use, providing employers with peace of mind in maintaining a drug-free environment.
