Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is viewed as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and other drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair which grows continually. When samples are taken near the scalp, a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for both alcohol and other drugs is possible. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment including approximately 200 strands of hair (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair might be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of the sample into the laboratory’s framework. It involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not integrated into an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug misuse. Screening is a budget-friendly strategy to dismiss drug use in most samples; however, a positive screening result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the hardest methodologies to execute.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and holds accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Griswold, IA, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window, hair tests are more reliable in determining an individual’s substance use habits. Employers find these tests invaluable for enforcing strict no-drug-use policies. The improved detection capabilities mean hair tests can catch long-term use patterns, showcasing their superior precision and reliability over urine tests.
In Griswold, IA, hair follicle testing outshines alternatives due to its extended detection windows. Capable of revealing drug use histories up to 90 days, the test provides employers with comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use patterns. This extended period outmatches urine tests, facilitating an all-encompassing assessment of an applicant or employee’s substance-related behaviors over time, proving invaluable for informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle tests in Griswold, IA, offer a tamper-resistant method, drastically reducing the chance of sample adulteration. Compared to urine tests, hair tests hold a distinct advantage in providing reliable results. The near impossibility of manipulating a sample lends credibility to the outcomes. With fewer avenues for cheating, these tests assure stakeholders of accurate, irreversible results, fostering trust and reliability in drug testing processes.
Griswold, IA residents benefit from the convenience of our nationwide and local hair follicle testing locations. By facilitating easy access to testing centers, individuals and companies can swiftly arrange necessary tests without the hassle. The widespread availability ensures that high-quality testing services are readily accessible, promoting streamlined processes. The convenience factor underscores our commitment to providing efficient and stress-free testing experiences.
The hair follicle testing process in Griswold, IA is simple and confidential, designed for user-friendliness. Ordering, performing, and obtaining test results is straightforward, directly addressing privacy concerns. This ease of use reassures participants, maintaining discretion throughout all stages of testing. Emphasizing both simplicity and confidentiality, this method ensures user confidence and satisfaction in the drug testing process.
In Griswold, IA, affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests provide excellent value. Our competitive pricing structures accommodate companies of all sizes, enabling them to manage employee testing economically. The swift processing of test results doesn’t compromise quality, offering comprehensive services at an accessible cost. This affordability and efficiency enhance our ability to meet client needs promptly and effectively.
In Griswold, IA, the precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, greatly assisting in immediate and informed decision-making. The reliability of results allows stakeholders to trust that the detected use accurately depicted the individual’s drug history. The speediness of these tests contributes to their appeal, providing swift confirmation of results.
Employers in Griswold, IA, find peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method aids in mitigating legal risks by ensuring that employees adhere to substance use regulations. With hair tests, companies effectively maintain safety and productivity standards while minimizing the risk of workplace incidents. Such stringent testing aligns with organizational and regulatory compliance, substantiating a secure work environment.
