Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through the hair's fibers, it captures long-term indicators of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection range of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It’s suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is accessible, a similar amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the introductory handling of a sample into the lab system. Procedures involve confirming the sample’s proper sealing and dispatch, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any extra data not provided via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Though it’s a budget-friendly way to discount drug use for most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to stand as evidence in court. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening mandate secondary confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and is readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair with distinctively lower concentration levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), affirming hair drug testing as among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques confirm any positive screening outcome. All samples marked presumptive positive are washed pre-confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Laurens, IA
The hair follicle method surpasses urine testing in every aspect of detection accuracy. Employers and legal professionals in Laurens trust hair testing for providing a stable and reliable drug use overview.
Extended Detection Window in Laurens, IA
Hair follicle tests offer an invaluable detection period, capturing drug use history over 90 days. This extensive window gives a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use patterns, aiding employers in Laurens, IA, to make informed decisions regarding potential hires.
By analyzing hair samples, this testing method provides a broader timeline for evaluating drug use, significantly aiding companies in understanding an applicant's past substance behaviors better than traditional testing approaches.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Laurens, IA
The nature of hair follicle tests greatly reduces the risk of sample manipulation. This method ensures the reliability of the results due to its resistance to tampering, offering unmatched assurance in substance testing.
The controlled and observed process of collecting hair samples minimizes opportunities for adulteration, providing entities in Laurens, IA, with trustable and indisputable testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Laurens, IA
Our expansive network of testing centers, including those local to Laurens, IA, provides easy access to hair follicle testing services. This ensures a streamlined and hassle-free experience for all testing needs.
Whether locally or nationwide, our testing centers are positioned to deliver convenient and reliable drug testing services, assuring efficient service delivery and support.
Simple, Confidential Process in Laurens, IA
The process for scheduling, undergoing testing, and obtaining results is straightforward and discreet, addressing any privacy concerns one might have regarding drug testing in Laurens, IA.
Our confidential procedures ensure that becoming informed about personal substance use is as easy and private as possible, offering peace of mind and maintaining user privacy at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Laurens, IA
We offer competitive pricing and swift processing times for hair follicle testing in Laurens, IA, delivering excellent value to businesses of all sizes.
With our efficient turnaround, we provide cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality and reliability of results, ensuring peace of mind and affordability for our clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Laurens, IA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its swift and precise detection capabilities. This test method offers unmatched accuracy, ensuring substances are effectively identified. Individuals in Laurens, IA, can expect rapid results that maintain high standards of reliability, making this method an optimal choice for substance detection.
Using state-of-the-art testing processes, hair follicle tests excel in delivering quick and certain results. They reduce the waiting period for results, allowing timely decision-making for employers and individuals concerned about substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Laurens, IA
Hair follicle testing enhances employer confidence by ensuring adherence to stringent drug-free policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks, offering safer work environments.
Employers seeking to maintain a compliant workplace benefit from this rigorous testing approach, which upholds safety, reduces liability, and boosts corporate integrity.