Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil), near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase includes checking for proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Any samples showing positive results in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized 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: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Lost Nation, IA, the advantages are clear. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them the preferred choice for zero-tolerance environments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing surpasses that of urine tests, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
In Lost Nation, IA, the hair follicle testing method excels due to its extended detection window. With the ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, it offers a thorough view of an individual's substance involvement.
This extended detection period provides employers with a holistic perspective on potential employees' historical substance use, aiding in informed hiring decisions.
The hair follicle testing method used in Lost Nation, IA, acts as a strong deterrent against tampering. Unlike other testing methods, its resistance to sample adulteration ensures reliable results.
Providing an almost foolproof detection of substance use, hair follicle tests help maintain the credibility of workplace drug testing protocols.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts numerous locations in Lost Nation, IA, and citywide. With a nationwide reach, access to these testing centers is convenient, facilitating easy and efficient drug testing procedures.
The widespread availability ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing individuals and employers to quickly access the necessary services.
With a straightforward and private process, ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test in Lost Nation, IA, is both simple and confidential.
The entire experience, from test arrangement to receiving results, respects participant privacy, making it an attractive option for personal or corporate drug testing needs.
Offering competitive pricing and quick results, Accredited Drug Testing in Lost Nation, IA, presents value to businesses of all sizes.
The affordable pricing structure and rapid turnaround time provide reassurance and financial ease for companies seeking reliable testing solutions.
In Lost Nation, IA, hair follicle drug tests are known for their swift and accurate results. The procedure's precision ensures reliable detection of substance use, offering results with a high degree of accuracy that employers and institutions can trust.
These tests deliver quick results without compromising accuracy. The ability to timely identify substance use helps in making informed decisions for employment and other settings.
Employers in Lost Nation, IA, achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. The method mitigates legal risks while boosting workplace safety.
The secure testing process offers peace of mind, ensuring that companies adhere to strict drug regulations and maintain a safe environment.
