Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures evidence of drug use over an extended period by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers a detection time frame of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, quite resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch chunk of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary analyses, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn’t an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s database. This step confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial drug abuse test. While Screening is a cost-saving measure to dismiss drug presence in most samples, any positive results must be affirmed to hold up in court. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair from the primary sample is gathered for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are mined from hair in far less concentration than in other practices (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Low Moor, IA, the benefits become clear. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, primarily due to its extended detection window, which can reveal drug use over a longer period. This makes it a preferred method for gaining a comprehensive understanding of substance use.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Low Moor, IA, makes it an invaluable tool for employers. With the ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, this testing method gives a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, assisting in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Low Moor, IA, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, manipulating or adulterating a hair sample is significantly more challenging, ensuring that the results are both reliable and credible, providing assurance to those who rely on them.
Accessible nationwide and with local locations in Low Moor, IA, drug testing services are both convenient and hassle-free. This network of testing centers ensures that obtaining a test is quick and straightforward, allowing for efficient testing processes that minimize disruption to daily schedules.
In Low Moor, IA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, each step safeguards privacy while maintaining ease of use, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and simplicity.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, drug testing services in Low Moor, IA, provide excellent value for all company sizes. The competitive pricing structures combined with swift processing times ensure that organizations receive cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
In Low Moor, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, ensuring that employers can trust the outcomes. The speed at which these tests are processed further contributes to their reliability, giving quick insight into potential drug use without compromising on accuracy.
For employers in Low Moor, IA, the utilization of hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces potential legal risks but also enhances safety within the workplace, providing peace of mind and fostering a more secure work environment for all employees.
