Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers, hair retains a prolonged record of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for substances. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and is easily shipped.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil circumference) taken close to the scalp, yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For assessments involving EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's best to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Note that head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other forms (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory consists of four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the sample's introduction into the laboratory’s framework. This step involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry potentially absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening provides a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs. It is a cost-efficient way to dismiss drug presence in most cases, however, a positive screen must be verified for court validity. Samples testing positive during Screening require confirmation through further testing.
A presumptive positive outcome in Screening leads to additional hair being extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, substance retrieval from hair is done at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed for Confirmation of any positive screen results. Presumptive positive specimens undergo washing as necessary prior to confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designations and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Laurel, IA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering extended detection timeframes and higher accuracy. This method provides an invaluable tool for companies aiming for a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in Laurel, IA
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing with its ability to detect drug use over a lengthy period—up to 90 days. This extensive detection provides a thorough insight into an employee's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Laurel, IA
Hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering, offering trustworthy results that help resist common adulteration tactics. This ensures a dependable substance use assessment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Laurel, IA
Our nationwide centers provide hassle-free hair follicle testing, facilitating easy access for individuals and businesses in Laurel, ensuring prompt service without inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Laurel, IA
The process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality—from ordering tests to receiving results—prioritizing privacy while maintaining ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Laurel, IA
Offering competitive pricing with prompt results, hair follicle testing is economical and delivers rapid outcomes, valuable for businesses of varied scales seeking financial efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Laurel, IA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision in detecting substances, offering fast and accurate results. Unlike traditional methods, these tests ensure quick and reliable outcomes, which is crucial for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Laurel, IA
For employers, hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safe working environment.
