Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of these substances by trapping biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair shaft. When gathered adjacent to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending up to roughly three months. It is easy to collect, poses challenges for tampering, and is convenient for transportation.
A sampled length of hair measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (resembling a #2 pencil thickness) from the scalp ensures about 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for thorough testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It's recommended to determine the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" only pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing result process has four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into the laboratory's system initially. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes additional data input absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening serves as the preliminary swift inspection for illicit drugs. Although Screening helps economically dismiss drug usage in most specimens, a positive indication must be authenticated for courtroom validity. Presumptively positive screenings necessitate further confirmation.
If the Screening phase suggests positivity, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This procedure extracts substances from hair at diminished concentrations compared to alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug tests particularly complex to execute.
For any positive screening outcomes, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually targets the hair shafts rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hurstville, IA
When comparing hair follicle tests to more conventional urine tests, hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing provides a longer detection window, ensuring that any history of substance use is accurately captured. This advanced method is not only more robust against attempts to alter results but also delivers more reliable data for those enforcing strict no-drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Hurstville, IA
One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a solid overview of an individual’s drug history, aiding in making informed decisions. Unlike shorter-term testing options, hair testing unveils a comprehensive substance history, enhancing the decision-making process for hiring or evaluating personnel.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hurstville, IA
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage in minimizing the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other methods that may be more vulnerable to deceit, hair testing involves a stringent collection process. This ensures the results are credible and irrefutable. For organizations committed to maintaining strict compliance, hair testing delivers unquestionable reliability and peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hurstville, IA
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide centers, including those locally in Hurstville, IA. This network ensures timely and efficient access to testing services, making it easy for businesses and individuals to carry out necessary drug screenings without hassle. This widespread availability is a testament to the aim of providing hassle-free testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hurstville, IA
The process for hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that the ordering, testing, and result retrieval processes are seamless and discreet. This attention to privacy protects individuals’ confidentiality while offering a smooth experience, assuaging concerns about the security and ease of use associated with drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hurstville, IA
Offering competitive pricing and quick result turnaround, the Accredited Drug Testing service provides excellent value for businesses of any size in Hurstville, IA. Companies seeking cost-effective substance testing solutions with rapid result delivery can find the perfect balance here, securing both financial prudence and timely outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hurstville, IA
The hair follicle drug test stands out for its rapid and precise results, ensuring dependable detection of substance use. Unlike other testing methods, hair testing provides clear and accurate findings, allowing for quick decision-making and confidence in the results both for the individual and the institution requesting the examination.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hurstville, IA
Employers in Hurstville, IA can achieve compliance with drug-free policies by opting for hair follicle testing. This testing method mitigates legal risks and fortifies workplace safety. By ensuring that employees are free from substance misuse, companies can preserve a secure working environment, adhering to safety standards and safeguarding their workforce.