Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of nearly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and further analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory assessment of a drug testing outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the fundamental processing of a specimen into the laboratory’s database. This incorporates ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for the majority of specimens, a positive result during screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any specimens suspected to be positive during Screening require additional verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lovilia, IA Hair follicle tests are superior to traditional urine tests due to their long detection window and enhanced accuracy. Employers and legal bodies appreciate the reliability of hair testing, making it the preferred choice in maintaining zero-tolerance policies. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing reveals a comprehensive substance history, a clear advantage in detecting ongoing drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Lovilia, IA One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its long detection timeframe, capturing up to 90 days of substance use. This extended period offers employers a true view of an individual's drug consumption history, outperforming urine tests. Residents in Lovilia can thus rely on hair testing for a deeper understanding of substance use patterns over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lovilia, IA Hair follicle tests provide an unparalleled level of security against sample tampering. The nature of hair testing inherently reduces risks of adulteration, thereby yielding results that one can trust entirely. In Lovilia, this method stands out for its impeccable reliability, offering peace of mind to both administrators and individuals subjected to testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lovilia, IA Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on its extensive network of locations, making access to drug testing services both quick and stress-free. Whether nationwide or in Lovilia, you'll find that our testing centers are easily accessible, minimizing the barriers to obtaining the essential services you require with utmost convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lovilia, IA The hair follicle testing process is streamlined to ensure user-friendliness while respecting privacy. From ordering to receiving the results, each step is designed to maintain confidentiality and simplicity. Individuals in Lovilia can confidently engage with our testing services, assured of a process that prioritizes discretion and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lovilia, IA We offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring it is a feasible option for businesses of every size. Coupled with rapid result delivery, clients experience exceptional value for money. In Lovilia, our testing services provide quick and cost-effective solutions, reinforcing our commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lovilia, IA Hair follicle drug testing boasts a high level of precision and speed, providing quick turnaround times while maintaining accuracy. Unlike other methods, hair testing offers consistent and reliable results, ensuring that substance use is detected accurately. With state-of-the-art techniques, residents of Lovilia can trust the efficacy of hair follicle testing for substance use identification.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lovilia, IA Emphasizing hair follicle testing in the workplace ensures adherence to drug-free policies and mitigates legal complications. This method is critical for maintaining a safe and secure environment. By choosing hair follicle testing, employers in Lovilia not only comply with legal standards but also foster safety and discipline among employees.
