Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utility of hair testing in identifying drug and alcohol consumption is increasingly recognized. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by encapsulating markers within its fibers. When hair samples are gathered near the scalp, they can offer a detection span of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. In reference to head hair, this specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The process within the laboratory for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry not submitted through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it's an economical method for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. This involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to urine or oral fluid methods, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive Screen involves methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to necessary confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed in compliance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Termed as "hair follicle tests" at times, the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lourdes, IA, provides a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine analysis, hair tests detect substances over an extended period, offering greater reliability and accuracy. This methodology is less prone to tampering, ensuring authentic results you can trust.
Employers benefit from a broader view of substance use patterns, as hair tests capture a longer history of consumption. This makes them an invaluable tool for maintaining a drug-free work environment compared to the limited detection window of urine tests.
In Lourdes, IA, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, tracing substance use up to 90 days. This unparalleled timeframe provides employers a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, as opposed to the shorter span of other tests.
This expanded window is invaluable for assessing longer-term patterns of behavior, aiding informed decisions. Hair tests grant employers insight into sustained drug use habits, offering a more complete snapshot of an applicant or employee's history.
In Lourdes, IA, hair follicle testing is a highly tamper-resistant method, significantly diminishing the risk of sample adulteration. The reliability of hair tests provides clear, unquestionable results, ensuring trusted outcomes.
This testing method's robust nature makes it a preferred choice for employers and authorities seeking dependable data. By reducing the possibility of manipulation, hair tests guarantee integrity in the testing process, benefiting all parties involved.
With convenient nationwide centers, including Lourdes, IA, accessing hair testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread locations ensure everyone receives efficient, seamless service.
Local availability simplifies the testing process, providing flexibility and ease for individuals and employers. This accessibility allows broad compliance with testing requirements, enhancing operational effectiveness and peace of mind.
In Lourdes, IA, the hair testing process is simple and confidential, addressing common privacy concerns. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are streamlined, ensuring ease of use for all participants.
This straightforward approach provides peace of mind, with a focus on protecting individual privacy. Users can trust that their information is managed professionally, supporting secure and efficient testing experiences.
In Lourdes, IA, our hair testing services offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround, ensuring excellent value. Companies benefit from reduced costs and swift results, enhancing overall efficiency.
This affordability, coupled with rapid processing, makes hair testing a smart investment for businesses of all sizes. Clients can confidently rely on our services, knowing they receive both economy and quality.
In Lourdes, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast and accurate results. Their precision is unrivaled, providing dependable insights into substance use. With high accuracy, these tests detect even small traces of substances, ensuring reliable outcomes for individuals and businesses alike.
The process is swift, minimizing wait times and expediting decision-making for testing programs. Rapid results mean employers and authorities can proceed confidently with their workflows, knowing they have accurate, trustworthy data in hand.
Employers in Lourdes, IA, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By enforcing drug-free workplace policies, businesses decrease legal risks and enhance safety, a crucial component of responsible operations.
Hair testing ensures adherence to regulations, cultivating a safe, productive work environment. This proactive approach fosters an atmosphere of reliability, strengthening company reputation and safeguarding employee wellbeing.
