Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg amount is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a specimen into a lab's framework. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require secondary verification.
When a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before verification if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes oversight per 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 frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Glenwood, IA: Hair follicle testing provides superior detection compared to traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period encompasses up to 90 days, offering more comprehensive insights into an individual's drug use patterns. This surpasses the relatively short detection windows of urine tests.
Furthermore, hair testing is nearly impossible to adulterate, ensuring results remain trustworthy. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses are less susceptible to tampering and substitution. Thus, hair follicle testing is a more reliable choice thanks to its accuracy over prolonged periods.
Extended Detection Window in Glenwood, IA: One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a longer timeframe, extending up to 90 days. This extensive detection window provides employers with a clearer understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history.
Having a thorough view of an individual's history allows for better informed hiring and workplace decisions. This extended period makes hair testing a preferred method for those with stringent screening requirements, ensuring that no significant substance use goes unnoticed.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Glenwood, IA: Hair follicle tests effectively mitigate the risk of tampering or sample adulteration. Due to the observation process during sampling and the nature of hair analysis, it's nearly impossible to alter the results. This ensures that the integrity of the sample is maintained throughout.
Consequently, the reliability and authenticity of the hair test results eliminate doubts and provide unbiased data. This robust feature makes hair testing a dependable choice for those who require accurate and unaltered substance analysis results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Glenwood, IA: With testing centers nationwide, accessing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This convenience ensures that clients can easily reach our centers, including those located right in Glenwood, IA.
Our numerous locations facilitate quick, effortless testing processes, allowing individuals to undertake the necessary analyses without any delays or complications. The widespread availability of testing sites ensures that there's always a location nearby when needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Glenwood, IA: Conducting and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and keeps privacy at the forefront. The process is designed to ensure ease of use, from ordering to taking the test and ultimately receiving the results.
This confidential approach addresses privacy concerns, reassuring clients that their information and results are handled discreetly. Simple procedures and confidential management make hair testing a preferred method for those valuing privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Glenwood, IA: Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing an excellent value option for businesses of all sizes. Swift processing ensures that results are obtained promptly, supporting time-sensitive decisions.
Affordable pricing paired with prompt outcome delivery enhances overall satisfaction and provides peace of mind for companies needing efficient and economical drug testing services. This combination ensures quality service at a cost-effective rate.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Glenwood, IA: Hair follicle drug tests offer high precision and speed, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. Their advanced technology ensures top-notch reliability and speed in processing results, making them ideal for those who value quick and accurate substance analysis.
Moreover, hair tests boast a precise detection mechanism, giving a reliable account of substance consumption. This accuracy makes them indispensable for institutions requiring ground-truth data on drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Glenwood, IA: Hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. Ensuring compliance with these policies can significantly reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety.
The in-depth insights provided by hair testing offer employers peace of mind by helping to maintain a secure and productive work environment. This reliability is vital for organizations aiming to enforce consistent compliance standards across all levels.
