Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer around a three-month detection period for both alcohol and various drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 strands close to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any added data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective check for drug abuse. While Screening is efficient for ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive results must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is processed for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair analysis poses significant methodological challenges.
Any positive outcomes in Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Greeley, IA
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over urine tests. It covers a more extended detection period and is less susceptible to tampering. This makes it an ideal choice for employers and legal authorities pursuing comprehensive substance screening.
Extended Detection Window in Greeley, IA
Hair follicle testing can pinpoint substance use over the last 90 days, giving employers a complete insight into a person’s habits. It provides a broader data scope than traditional methods, enabling informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Greeley, IA
With hair follicle tests, the potential for sample tampering is significantly reduced. This confidence in result integrity is indispensable, ensuring unchallengeable outcomes in testing situations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Greeley, IA
Our extensive network of testing facilities ensures that no matter where you are, access to testing services in Greeley, IA is quick and easy, making the testing process hassle-free across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Greeley, IA
The process for conducting hair follicle tests is streamlined, emphasizing confidentiality. Ordering and receiving results is an easy process, addressing any concerns about privacy and ensuring user comfort.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Greeley, IA
Our pricing structure is competitive, providing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with fast result turnaround times, it offers peace of mind and budget-friendliness to all companies.
In Greeley, IA, hair follicle drug testing is both fast and accurate, offering highly reliable results for substance detection. This method is ahead in terms of precision, and it can quickly identify the presence of drugs in a person’s system, making it a preferred choice over traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Greeley, IA
Hair follicle testing helps maintain adherence to drug-free policies in workplaces, thereby minimizing legal risks. It also promotes a safer work environment, ultimately granting peace of mind to employers.
