Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the advancing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer as much as a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG inclusions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of initially entering a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a confirmed screen is needed for legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited per ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lucas, IA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests with several advantages.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
Employers and legal bodies prefer hair tests due to these superior detection abilities and reliability over time.
In Lucas, IA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This approach allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an employee's substance use habits, ensuring informed hiring decisions. Comprehensive View: By evaluating a longer term of substance use, hair testing gives a more complete profile of an individual’s drug history.
Secured Testing: Hair follicle tests in Lucas, IA, are designed to significantly reduce sample tampering.
By utilizing hair samples, which are less likely to be adulterated compared to other sample types,
these tests provide reliable and trustworthy results. This ensures a more accurate reflection of an individual’s substance use history, a crucial factor for employers seeking authenticity.
Nationwide Testing Network: Lucas, IA, enjoys the convenience of comprehensive testing services thanks to Accredited Drug Testing’s
nationally accessible centers.
Quick, easy, and hassle-free access to our services ensures everyone can complete their necessary tests timely. Our local and national reach guarantees availability when and where it is needed.
The hair follicle testing process in Lucas, IA, is straightforward and maintains confidentiality.
Competitive Advantages: In Lucas, IA, we offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our cost-effective plans suit businesses of all sizes, ensuring great value without compromising quality. Companies benefit from our extra-fast result delivery, coupled with reliable testing processes — all at prices that make compliance accessible.
Speed and Accuracy: In Lucas, IA, hair follicle drug tests are known for providing
fast, accurate outcomes. These tests excel in detecting various substances with high precision,
ensuring that any substance use is accurately identified. The methodology allows for efficient and dependable results, giving both organizations and individuals peace of mind with every test conducted.
Employers in Lucas, IA, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Workplace Safety: This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks. Hair testing assures that companies adhere to necessary regulations, enhancing overall workplace safety and reducing potential liabilities, making it an invaluable tool for responsible employers.
