Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronic timeline of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and similar substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a specimen within a laboratory's framework. This ensures the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not supplied by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening includes an initial swift review for drugs of misuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in a legal context. Any sample that tests positive during Screening requires a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive during the Screening step, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other approaches (ex. urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to undertake.
Any positive result from screening undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformity to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Macksburg, IA
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle drug screenings offer superior detection and reliability. Hair testing's capacity to trace substance use, combined with robust analysis technologies, ensures a more comprehensive overview, enhancing decision-making in Macksburg, IA.
Extended Detection Window in Macksburg, IA
Hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a window extending up to 90 days, offering a thorough perspective on the substance history of potential hires or current employees. This long-term insight is invaluable to Macksburg, IA employers seeking assurance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Macksburg, IA
Designed to minimize adulteration risks, hair follicle testing provides clear and reliable outcomes. In Macksburg, IA, this tamper-resistant approach assures stakeholders of the test's integrity and the dependability of its findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Macksburg, IA
The wide network of testing facilities provides Macksburg, IA residents with expedient and seamless access to drug testing services, enhancing convenience and usability without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Macksburg, IA
Our process for acquiring, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. In Macksburg, IA, individuals can be confident that privacy concerns are addressed comprehensively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Macksburg, IA
Our pricing strategies and quick result delivery offer Macksburg, IA companies exceptional value. This economically favorable setup allows organizations of all sizes to benefit from high-quality standards without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Macksburg, IA
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed, granting high accuracy in substance detection. Macksburg, IA, benefits from these technological advancements, ensuring individuals and organizations receive rapid, trustworthy reports, leaving no room for doubt.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Macksburg, IA
Employing hair follicle testing helps ensure employer adherence to drug-free workplace policies, offering peace of mind. This practice supports safety and reduces legal liabilities within Macksburg, IA companies.
