Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It can provide a extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields about 100mg, which is perfect for both screening and affirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair references cover all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process confirms the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to negate drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up legally. All samples that test positive during Screening require further verification.
Should a sample test positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples deemed presumptively positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory series from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often described as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in many ways, notably in detection efficiency and accuracy. In Keosauqua, IA, the utilization of hair testing offers several benefits, marking it a superior choice for drug use detection.
While urine tests remain a popular choice, hair testing's capability to uncover substance usage over an extended timeline grants it a definitive advantage. Furthermore, the observed collection of hair samples minimizes tampering risks, ensuring integrity.
As a preferred method, hair tests are particularly valued by employers and legal institutions where stringent testing processes are critical.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that spans up to 90 days, providing a thorough view of an individual’s drug use history. This long detection period in Keosauqua, IA, enables employers to understand better the patterns of substance usage among applicants and employees.
Unlike shorter detection methods, hair testing's prolonged timeframe reveals instances of substance use that might otherwise remain undiscovered, bringing clarity and transparency to the fore.
The ability to view a more extended history allows for more informed decisions regarding employment, safety, and productivity.
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant qualities, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration or substitution. In Keosauqua, IA, the method's reliability ensures that results are beyond reproach and retain their credibility.
Due to its nature, the hair testing process is less susceptible to being compromised compared to traditional testing methods. As a result, the outcomes are always trustworthy, providing peace of mind to test administrators.
The collection process requires professional oversight, further solidifying the integrity of each sample obtained.
Accredited Drug Testing's reach extends nationwide, ensuring convenient access to testing services with centers located across the United States, including Keosauqua, IA. This comprehensive network is designed to make testing requirements effortlessly accessible, thereby streamlining the entire process for individuals and employers alike.
Our easily accessible testing locations remove geographical barriers, presenting a hassle-free way to meet testing needs efficiently.
With a blend of local and national presence, Accredited Drug Testing ensures comprehensive availability of services for all clients.
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Keosauqua, IA, is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring privacy and ease for all participants. This straightforward approach minimizes discomfort while guaranteeing secure handling of all personal data and results.
It's a fuss-free methodology that prioritizes user-friendliness and data protection.
Clients are assured of a seamless experience from start to finish, allowing them to focus on other priorities.
Accredited Drug Testing offers cost-effective pricing models and rapid turnaround times in Keosauqua, IA, ensuring value for organizations of all sizes. Our commitment to budget-friendly solutions goes hand in hand with our dedication to delivering quick and reliable results that clients can depend on.
Our affordable services do not compromise quality, maintaining competitive prices while ensuring unmatched service quality.
The blend of economy and speed offered makes hair testing an attractive option for budget-conscious entities seeking reliable testing solutions.
The efficacy of hair follicle tests in Keosauqua, IA, lies in their ability to deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests ensure a superior level of precision in detecting recent substance use.
Speed is of the essence, and hair tests deliver timely outcomes, providing stakeholders with the necessary insights without delays. Their ability to pick up on a comprehensive range of substances makes them a preferred choice for serious testing inquiries.
Employers, legal bodies, and individuals engage in hair testing for its extensive detection abilities and swiftness in providing results.
Employers in Keosauqua, IA, can benefit immensely from the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. This method ensures that workplace drug-free policies are upheld, significantly minimizing legal risks while boosting safety and productivity.
Leveraging a hair test provides companies with a proactive approach to managing employee conduct and adheres strictly to legal and regulatory standards.
The resultant compliance not only protects organizations legally but also enhances the overall workplace environment by fostering a culture of responsibility and transparency.
