Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now viewed as a significant tool for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-standing history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can offer up to approximately a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps in processing a drug test result within a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process confirms the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug consumption for numerous samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in a judicial context. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses significant challenges.
Any confirmed positive screening outcome is assessed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Fairfield, IA due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests that may only unveil recent drug use, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive view of substance use over time. This method is highly favored by employers and legal bodies due to its enhanced precision, offering greater reliability and accuracy in ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection window, spanning up to 90 days, in Fairfield, IA. This prolonged detection period gives employers a holistic perspective on an employee or candidate's substance use history. Unlike traditional tests, hair analysis captures long-term patterns of drug intake, allowing for more informed decision-making processes in the workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Fairfield, IA offer a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This method is renowned for providing reliable and irrefutable results that are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process. Employers and legal entities prefer this approach due to the difficulty in manipulating hair samples compared to other types of drug testing.
In Fairfield, IA, convenient nationwide and local testing facilities make hair follicle drug testing easily accessible. Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals and employers can access testing services without hassle, allowing for quick and efficient test administration. This accessibility is crucial in maintaining a seamless and straightforward process for all parties involved.
The process for hair follicle testing in Fairfield, IA is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. Clients can order tests, perform them, and receive results with minimal complexity, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and convenience. The streamlined approach allows for unobtrusive and discreet testing, respecting individual privacy at every stage.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests are emphasized in Fairfield, IA. By offering competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid result delivery, Accredited Drug Testing provides significant value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind and cost-effectiveness without compromising on the quality and reliability of test results.
Fast, accurate, and reliable hair follicle drug test results are available in Fairfield, IA, highlighting the test's precision and efficiency. These tests are designed to detect substance use with high accuracy and rapid turnaround, ensuring that you receive results promptly. This reliability is crucial for employers and individuals needing quick and dependable substance use verification.
Employers in Fairfield, IA can achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. By incorporating this testing method, businesses can ensure they are adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks, and enhancing the safety and productivity of their workforce. These tests support maintaining a reputable and secure working environment.
