Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term archive of alcohol and drug activity by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered adjacent to the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, fitting for both screening and validation. For EtG analysis, extended panels, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When addressing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all alternative hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis for a drug test outcome encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into a lab's system. This step includes validating the proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic custody sequence.
Screening offers an initial rapid evaluation for substance misuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires validation to hold up in court. Samples with initial positive results during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower levels than through other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if required. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hopkinton, IA
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy when compared to conventional urine tests. It provides an expanded detection window, ensuring that employers receive a more comprehensive view of substance use history. The reliability of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for many, demonstrating its unmatched ability to accurately mirror past substance behaviors.
Extended Detection Window in Hopkinton, IA
Offering the ability to trace drug use over a 90-day period, hair follicle tests present a thorough overview of an individual’s substance history. This lengthy window is invaluable for employers wanting to make informed decisions based on a comprehensive view of behavior over an extensive period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hopkinton, IA
Hair follicle tests minimize the chances of tampering, delivering results that are exceptionally trustworthy. Unlike other testing methods, such as urine tests susceptible to manipulation, hair tests stand out due to their integrity and reliability, making them a dependable choice for accurate substance use detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hopkinton, IA
Access to nationwide facilities ensures effortless and convenient testing services for individuals. With numerous centers available, securing an appointment is straightforward, eliminating any hassle associated with obtaining timely and necessary drug testing, including in Hopkinton.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hopkinton, IA
The process for administering hair follicle tests is both straightforward and private, addressing any potential privacy concerns with ease. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step prioritizes the user’s confidentiality, promoting a worry-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hopkinton, IA
Our pricing structures are competitive, combined with rapid turnaround times, offering significant value for businesses of all sizes. The quick service without compromising accuracy ensures a seamless and cost-effective approach to detecting substance use.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hopkinton, IA
Experience the precision of hair follicle testing, ideal for swiftly and accurately identifying substance use. Its efficiency stands out, granting employers swift and trustworthy insights. The test's reputation for quick turnaround paired with unparalleled accuracy sets it apart as an essential tool in the fight against substance misuse.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hopkinton, IA
Employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies with hair follicle tests, as this method supports compliance standards effectively. The assurance of legal protection and the enforcement of a safe working environment provides employers peace of mind, reducing potential liabilities.
