Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Grundy Center, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term drug and alcohol history by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected from near the scalp, it can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, the possibility of tampering is relatively low, and it's easy to transport.

A sample consisting of a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's best to determine the sample's weight using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to hair from the scalp, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory handling of a drug test result consists of the following main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial sample processing stage into the lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data requirements not fulfilled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary, swift assessment for detecting drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug usage in most samples, any positive result obtained from Screening must be confirmed to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples indicating a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

For samples showing a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.

Any positive result in the screening must be confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples indicated as presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The whole laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, while urine tests have a more limited detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is very difficult, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Provides historical insights: It supplies a pattern of drug use over a duration, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent use: Drugs typically require 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual variations in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being often referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the strand of hair rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When evaluating drug testing methods, hair follicle tests in Grundy Center, IA, surpass traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair tests not only provide superior detection accuracy but also offer a more reliable and tamper-resistant approach. This ultimately ensures more confidence in results and enhances the integrity of the testing process.

Extended Detection Window

Grundy Center, IA, is a key location for extended detection of drug use via hair follicle testing. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can uncover substance use up to 90 days back. This comprehensive look offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use history, aiding informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Grundy Center, IA, adopting hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample adulteration risks compared to other methods. The meticulously controlled process ensures unquestionable results, safeguarding against tampering attempts. This reliability helps maintain the integrity of testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Grundy Center, IA, benefits from both local and nationwide testing locations, making access to hair follicle testing quick and efficient. With a widespread network of facilities, clients can enjoy the convenience of hassle-free services, ensuring timely and reliable testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

Grundy Center, IA, provides a simple and confidential process for conducting hair follicle testing. From the initial order to result retrieval, every step emphasizes privacy and user-friendly procedures, ensuring all concerns about ease and confidentiality are addressed thoroughly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times define the hair follicle testing services in Grundy Center, IA. Tailored to provide excellent value for diverse company sizes, these services promise both economical benefits and a rapid service that's hard to match in today's market.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Grundy Center, IA, hair follicle tests provide fast and accurate results, unmatched in their precision. Their ability to detect substance use with high accuracy ensures a reliable determination of an individual's recent drug history. This method not only offers quick results but also stands as a benchmark for reliability in drug testing processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Grundy Center, IA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. Maintaining workplace safety and drug-free policies becomes more achievable, reducing legal risks. This proactive approach enhances the work environment, ensuring safety and adherence to regulations.

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