Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced from the scalp area, hair can reveal up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verifying. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advisable. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, a similar volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a lab-based drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into a lab's system. Steps include confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method for excluding drug usage in most samples, confirmation is required for court admissibility if the screen is positive. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The total lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted 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: Despite being commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lanyon, IA, surpasses traditional urine tests in both accuracy and reliability. While urine tests have a limited detection window, hair tests offer a more comprehensive view of substance use over time. This superior range makes hair testing an excellent choice for thorough and credible analysis.
The benefits of choosing hair over urine testing include a longer detection period and higher accuracy. This allows employers to maintain stricter drug-free work environments with greater confidence in their screening processes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Lanyon, IA, provides employers with a detailed overview of a candidate or employee's drug use history. Covering up to 90 days, these tests allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of long-term substance use patterns.
With hair tests' ability to detect drugs over a wide timeframe, employers gain a complete perspective on an individual's substance tendencies, helping inform better hiring and workforce management decisions.
Hair follicle drug tests conducted in Lanyon, IA, offer significant resistance to tampering. This method reduces the risk of sample alteration, ensuring that results are reliable and conclusive. Employers can trust the integrity of the testing process and the accuracy of the data obtained.
By minimizing the potential for adulteration, hair follicle tests provide a straightforward path to acquiring clear and unquestionable results, fostering trust in workplace screening protocols.
Our convenient testing locations in Lanyon, IA, and across the nation make hair follicle testing accessible and hassle-free. We provide a seamless solution for individuals and businesses requiring drug screening services, facilitating quick and efficient access to testing.
The broad availability of our centers ensures that getting tested is a simple and straightforward process, supporting the need for swift and accurate assessments across various locations.
The hair follicle testing process in Lanyon, IA, is both simple and confidential. This streamlined approach ensures privacy and ease from the moment a test is requested to when results are received, fostering trust in our services without compromising on security.
Confidentiality is paramount, and our process is designed to respect and protect individual privacy while delivering accurate and timely results, addressing user concerns effectively.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Lanyon, IA, a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes. Our price structures are tailored to provide exceptional value, ensuring companies have access to high-quality screening options without budgetary strain.
The efficiency of our testing procedures ensures that results are delivered swiftly, allowing for prompt action and peace of mind regarding substance use assessments in the workplace.
In Lanyon, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and reliability. The precision with which they detect substance use sets them apart from other testing methods. Their ability to accurately identify drug use ensures employers receive dependable results that inform workplace policies and decisions.
Fast and accurate hair testing in Lanyon makes it a preferred choice for companies aiming to maintain a drug-free environment. The results offer clear insights into an individual's substance use history, providing a trustworthy basis for action.
Hair follicle testing in Lanyon, IA, ensures that employers meet compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks associated with improper drug screening and enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind and security for businesses.
Employers benefit from reduced risk exposure when implementing hair testing, thereby safeguarding their company reputation and ensuring a safer working environment. These tests are a key component in sustaining such policies effectively.