Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair - the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When “head hair†is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. “Body hair†includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into the lab system, ensuring that it was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive indication requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing tentative positive results in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a tentative positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing tentative positive results are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated 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: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lawton, IA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Unmatched detection accuracy
With an extended detection period, hair testing provides reliability in uncovering drug use patterns.
For those in Lawton, IA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that is crucial for comprehensively evaluating substance use history. Employers benefit from up to 90 days of detection. This method provides:
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Lawton, IA, provides guarantee against sample adulteration. This method is unquestionably reliable, ensuring authentic results through:
Our testing centers in Lawton, IA, and across the nation offer convenient access to drug testing services. The ease of nationwide locations means:
In Lawton, IA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns with utmost priority. Our straightforward system guarantees:
Lawton, IA, boasts affordable hair follicle testing with fast turnaround times, offering value for businesses. Our competitive pricing and efficiency provide:
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Lawton, IA, ensure high accuracy in substance detection. Rapid and reliable, these tests provide confidence in knowing the truth about substance use.
Employers in Lawton, IA, discover compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free policies and reduces legal risks by:
