Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When cut near to the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for testing and validation. For EtG, extra add-ons, and/or assays exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, this pertains to scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four phases involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This also covers ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in the majority of specimens, a screen yielding positive results must be validated to be acceptable in a legal setting. Any samples speculatively positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Maloy, IA, are clear. Hair samples offer superior accuracy and reliability, detecting drug use over a longer period. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair testing delivers a robust and detailed analysis of an individual's substance history, invaluable for employers with stringent drug policies.
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, up to 90 days, providing a thorough insight into an individual's drug use in Maloy, IA. This lengthy period far surpasses that of urine tests, offering employers a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's habits, thus facilitating informed decision-making regarding workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle testing in Maloy, IA, significantly reduces the likelihood of tampering, giving employers confidence in the results. The nature of hair testing makes it almost impossible to adulterate, unlike urine tests which can be manipulated more easily. This ensures that the results are credible and can be trusted for critical decisions.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Maloy, IA, obtaining hair follicle tests is simple and hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing's network ensures that testing is easily accessible, facilitating swift and efficient service for those in need, no matter where they are located.
The process for hair follicle testing in Maloy, IA, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test to sample collection and receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and simplicity in mind. This assures individuals and employers that their sensitive information remains secure.
Affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times makes hair follicle testing in Maloy, IA, an excellent choice for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure that companies can maintain a drug-free workplace without financial strain, while quick results keep operations moving efficiently.
In Maloy, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out as a fast and precise method for identifying substance use. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in tracing drug intake, leaving little room for error. Employers and individuals alike can rely on the swift results that hair testing provides, ensuring timely and dependable outcomes in critical situations.
Employers in Maloy, IA can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind. With its longer detection periods and tamper-proof nature, hair testing is a reliable choice for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
