Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a compelling technique for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG additions and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to gather 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. In contrast, body hair includes other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entering of a sample into the laboratory system. This step ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is needed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If the Screening stage results in a presumptive positive, more hair is drawn from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result takes place through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed for both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
In Greenville, IA, hair follicle testing shows remarkable superiority over conventional urine testing. Hair tests offer advanced detection accuracy, identifying substances consumed over long durations. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less susceptible to manipulation, ensuring reliable results. The increased detection window effectively exposes chronic usage patterns, aiding in more informed decision-making for employers.
Hair follicle testing in Greenville, IA, gives employers access to extended detection windows, tracing drug use history for up to 90 days. This comprehensive view offers insights into potential or current employees' substance habits. Extended timeframes mean more robust background checks, enabling better-informed hiring and monitoring decisions than the limited span urine tests provide.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Greenville, IA, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly curtails the risks associated with sample adulteration. Because altering hair samples is virtually impossible, results remain unquestionably reliable, offering more confidence to employers and organizations requiring unassailable drug testing protocols.
Greenville, IA, is serviced by our vast network of nationwide testing centers, providing prompt access to drug testing services. These strategically placed locations ensure a quick and hassle-free experience. Whether in Greenville or other cities, convenience is central, making it straightforward for individuals and businesses to undergo necessary testing.
Our process in Greenville, IA, is both simple and confidential. Ordering and executing hair tests is unobtrusive, safeguarding privacy throughout. Clients experience a seamless journey from test initiation to result acquisition, addressing concerns over personal information security while ensuring ease of use and efficiency in every step.
In Greenville, IA, we offer affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. With competitive pricing and value-driven solutions, Accredited Drug Testing supports businesses of all sizes. Our prompt services deliver peace of mind, ensuring you receive reliable results quickly, fitting seamlessly within your operational budget.
Located in Greenville, IA, our hair follicle drug tests provide fast and accurate results. These tests reliably identify substance use with high precision, often outperforming traditional testing methods. Clients benefit from the streamlined and efficient testing process, which ensures both speed and accuracy. Hair follicle tests are unparalleled in their consistency and offer peace of mind with every result.
Compliance is a priority at Accredited Drug Testing in Greenville, IA. Using hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks. Alongside compliance, this method enhances workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind about creating a secure and responsible work environment.
