Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy record of drug and alcohol use by preserving biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG or expanded panel tests exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unsuitable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary steps of lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial lab incorporation of a sample. This step verifies the sample's correct sealing and shipment, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing info not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial evaluation to identify drug abuse. This stage is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, though a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples that test as presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples tentatively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than via alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening requires GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Langworthy, IA
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests, hair testing clearly outshines in terms of detection accuracy. With its superior reliability, employers gain a trustworthy method for identifying substance use among employees.
Extended Detection Window in Langworthy, IA
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This grants employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history, aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Langworthy, IA
The integrity of hair follicle drug tests greatly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. Offering credible and indisputable results, these tests are less prone to manipulation, securing trustworthy data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Langworthy, IA
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of convenient testing centers nationwide, including those in Langworthy, Iowa. This ensures swift access to testing services without hassle, promoting ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Langworthy, IA
The process for hair follicle drug testing is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, our services maintain privacy and user-friendly procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Langworthy, IA
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution for all company sizes. This not only provides value but also ensures peace of mind for businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Langworthy, IA
Hair follicle drug tests boast high precision and timeliness in providing results. Known for their high accuracy, these tests effectively detect substance use, ensuring swift and reliable data regarding a person's drug history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Langworthy, IA
Through hair follicle testing, businesses can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies effectively. This minimizes legal risks and promotes a safe working environment, offering peace of mind for employers.
