Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a powerful method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers as they grow, providing a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When cut close to the scalp, this hair can offer a detection window of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and convenient to ship.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of about 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step wherein a sample enters a laboratory's system. This process includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry needed outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a confirming test is essential for any positive screen to be legally accepted. Presumptive positive results from Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing. This stage, known as Extraction, involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a particularly challenging technique.
Confirmed positive results from Screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," these procedures assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Malvern, IA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing with its enhanced detection capabilities.
Employers benefit from the thorough, accurate results offered by hair tests, avoiding common pitfalls associated with urine testing. The reliability of hair testing strengthens its role in maintaining workplace safety.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Malvern, IA, provides a comprehensive overview of substance use.
Employers gain insights into applicants' and employees' drug histories, aiding informed hiring and monitoring decisions. This extended window places hair testing at a significant advantage over shorter-term testing methods.
Malvern, IA, introduces hair follicle testing, known for minimizing chances of tampering.
This testing method deters sample adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. Its tamper-resistant nature ensures employers receive authentic assessments of drug use.
Accessible testing services in Malvern, IA, are offered through our extensive network of nationwide testing locations.
This ensures a convenient and hassle-free process, providing quick access to testing services for individuals and employers alike, reinforcing the convenience offered by our testing centers.
In Malvern, IA, the testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality.
From ordering to receiving results, the steps involved are straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease. This addresses concerns about the process whilst maintaining confidentiality throughout all stages.
Competitive pricing in Malvern, IA, makes drug testing both affordable and efficient.
With fast turnaround times, our services offer excellent value to companies, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality—benefiting businesses of all sizes.
The hair follicle drug tests in Malvern, IA, boast high precision. Their meticulous methodology ensures accurate detection of even minimal substance use.
Renowned for their speed, these tests consistently deliver results with minimal delay, supporting prompt decision-making. Their reliability makes them indispensable in time-sensitive scenarios.
Employers in Malvern, IA, are assured of compliance with hair follicle testing.
The test promotes adherence to drug-free policies, reduces legal risks, and ensures a safer work environment—key aspects that bring peace of mind to companies prioritizing safety and legality.
