Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug exposure by ensnaring biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection history of up to about three months for alcohol and drug exposure. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) close to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, the optimum amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair can't be used, an equivalent portion of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, this exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab processing of drug testing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This phase involves confirming the sample is properly sealed and sent, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing other necessary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a swift initial check for the presence of drugs. While it's a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that react positively in Screening require confirmation.
When a Screening test result is presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing particularly challenging.
Positive Screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp.
In Keota, IA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests due to its superior benefits. Enhanced detection capabilities offer more precise and reliable results. Hair tests can identify drug use far beyond the limited scope of urine tests. This makes them an ideal choice for employers seeking dependable outcomes and a more complete substance use history.
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Keota, IA is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests that capture only recent usage, hair tests can reflect substance use over up to 90 days. This gives employers a deeper insight into an individual’s drug habits, offering more comprehensive data for informed decision-making.
In Keota, IA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method of drug screening. The nature of the hair testing process makes sample adulteration exceedingly difficult, if not impossible. This ensures the integrity of the results, granting employers and legal entities confidence in the authenticity and unaltered state of the test outcomes.
With numerous convenient testing locations nationwide, including Keota, IA, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple and efficient. The widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers can quickly and easily undergo necessary drug screenings, eliminating hassle while delivering timely results.
The hair follicle testing process in Keota, IA is characterized by its simplicity and confidentiality. From requesting the test to obtaining results, each step is designed to safeguard privacy and ensure ease of use. This assures clients of a discreet and straightforward experience, addressing any privacy concerns they may have.
By offering affordable pricing and expedited turnaround times, organizations in Keota, IA can benefit significantly from hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing structures make it accessible to companies of any size, providing excellent value along with the peace of mind that comes from quick, reliable drug screening results.
Hair follicle drug tests are prized for their rapid and reliable results in Keota, IA. Accuracy and speed are the cornerstones of this method, ensuring swift detection of substance use. Compared to other drug testing methods, hair testing stands out for its precision, providing clear and definitive results that are trusted by employers and institutions alike.
Employers in Keota, IA gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, hair tests help mitigate legal risks and bolster workplace safety. They serve as a robust tool in maintaining a safe and compliant environment, fostering trust and reliability within the workforce.
