Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximately 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches long, comprising around 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to the scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with integrating a sample into the laboratory system, which involves confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry unmet by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening conducts a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs validation for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumed positive, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. This step extracts drugs from hair at concentrations lower than those found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is most challenging to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples receive a thorough washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often used does not refer to testing the hair follicle but rather the hair strand itself.
Hair follicle tests, compared to traditional urine tests, provide superior detection accuracy in Grinnell, IA. The benefits include an enhanced ability to detect drug usage over more extended periods and greater reliability. These attributes make hair testing an undeniable advantage over standard urine tests.
Employers in Grinnell, IA value hair follicle testing for its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This method affords employers a detailed insight into an employee or applicant's substance history, offering a comprehensive view beyond the limitations of urine tests.
In Grinnell, IA, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method, significantly lowering the potential for sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and beyond dispute, providing unwavering assurance of accuracy.
Nationwide and local testing centers in Grinnell, IA, ensure convenient access to testing services. Accredited Drug Testing makes it quick, easy, and straightforward to undergo testing, reinforcing the commitment to hassle-free, accessible processes at all centers.
In Grinnell, IA, the process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential. The emphasis on privacy and ease makes it an appealing choice for those concerned about discretion and uncomplicated procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Grinnell, IA. Our competitive pricing structures and quick result delivery provide excellent value and ensure peace of mind for companies of all sizes.
In Grinnell, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests excel in precision and swiftness, enabling efficient detection of substance use. Thanks to advanced scientific methods, the tests maintain a high degree of accuracy, making them a top choice for identifying drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Grinnell, IA enhances compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing peace of mind for employers. By mitigating legal risks and reinforcing workplace safety, this method supports a secure and compliant work environment.
