Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. The hair offers a lengthy historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmatory purposes. For testing of EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When focusing on head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, and more).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result mainly through these steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample’s seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t provide.
Screening conducts an initial rapid check for substance abuse. While Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate potential drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid for legal proceedings. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair shaft, not the follicle under the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Janesville, IA, hair follicle tests clearly outperform traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more extensive detection window, making them a superior choice for employers seeking accuracy and reliability. The intricacy involved in hair testing significantly reduces the chances of evasive practices, presenting a trustworthy alternative to urine testing.
Hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection period, able to trace drug use going back up to 90 days. This feature is particularly advantageous for employers in Janesville, IA, wishing to evaluate an individual's substance use over a prolonged timeline, providing a detailed overview of an employee or candidate's drug usage history.
In Janesville, IA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests offers unmatched dependability, effectively minimizing manipulation possibilities. This integrity ensures that the drug testing results remain unquestionable, providing a solid foundation for decision-making in organizations and court systems requiring foolproof evidence of substance use.
Our conveniently located testing centers across Janesville, IA, and nationwide allow for quick, hassle-free service access. These easily accessible locations emphasize our commitment to providing seamless drug testing solutions, accommodating busy schedules, and ensuring that testing is uncomplicated and straightforward for everyone involved.
Accredited Drug Testing in Janesville, IA, simplifies the ordering, testing, and results delivery process, prioritizing privacy and user-friendliness. Our confidential methods ensure client-sensitive data is protected while facilitating an efficient experience, addressing any concerns regarding ease of access and security during the testing journey.
In Janesville, IA, our pricing structures cater to diverse budgets by offering competitive rates without compromising on speed or accuracy. Organizations of all sizes benefit from our affordable pricing models, complemented by rapid result turnaround times. This approach guarantees value and peace of mind, ensuring businesses remain compliant and informed.
In Janesville, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled speed and precision in verifying substance use. Hair testing outperforms other methods by swiftly detecting a wide spectrum of drugs accurately, alleviating any concerns over result reliability. This method's meticulous approach ensures results that employers and individuals can trust, making it a highly valued testing option in various professional sectors.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Janesville, IA, provides peace of mind to employers by ensuring adherence to workplace drug policies. This compliance minimizes legal ramifications and fosters a safer work environment. With a proven ability to detect prolonged substance abuse, hair testing is integral for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
