Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a powerful method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can provide approximately a three-month detection window for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equal quantity of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample within the laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. While it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed to be legally acceptable in court. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test tentatively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing an intricate procedure.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Marcus, IA, hair follicle testing holds a clear advantage over urine testing. Its ability to detect a wide range of substances with great accuracy offers employers, legal institutions, and substance professionals in Marcus a superior tool. The extended detection period and the reduced likelihood of tampering reinforce the reliability of hair testing, making it the preferred choice for comprehensive substance abuse evaluations.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Marcus, IA, provides a significant advantage. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this type of test delivers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, offering employers valuable insights. Such thorough detection capabilities equip them to make informed decisions regarding candidate backgrounds and current employees.
Hair follicle testing is a robust choice in Marcus, IA, due to its tamper-resistant nature. This testing method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable outcomes that are difficult to dispute. Unlike other testing approaches, hair testing provides clear, verifiable results that employers and legal bodies can trust in their assessments and compliance decisions.
The accessibility of drug testing facilities nationwide, including local sites in Marcus, IA, ensures convenient service access. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes hassle-free experiences for all clients, allowing for simple and timely testing. Our network of centers offers a seamless testing process, providing rapid results without unnecessary delays or complications.
Accredited Drug Testing in Marcus, IA, simplifies the drug testing process with an emphasis on confidentiality. Clients can easily order tests, arrive for sampling, and receive prompt results. Privacy remains paramount, guaranteeing that the process is not only straightforward but also respectful of personal concerns. This efficiency and discretion ease the testing experience for all clients.
The competitive pricing and swift turnaround of hair follicle testing in Marcus, IA, present outstanding value. Companies of any scale benefit from reasonable pricing tiers while receiving high-quality service. This cost-effective option provides timely results, granting peace of mind and reaffirming the affordability and efficiency of choosing hair testing over other methods.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle tests in Marcus, IA, stand out. These tests are known for their excellent accuracy in pinpointing drug and alcohol use. Unlike other methods, hair testing reliably identifies substance exposures, lending confidence to employers and individuals seeking definitive results. Fast processing times make this option attractive for those needing swift answers.
In Marcus, IA, by employing hair follicle testing, companies bolster their adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This form of testing fosters a safe and lawful environment, substantially mitigating legal risks. Valued for its ability to provide thorough and peace of mind, hair testing ensures that organizations meet compliance expectations, thereby supporting a productive and secure workplace.
