Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch strand sample, consisting of around 200 hairs and roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panel tests beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the laboratory consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially incorporated into the laboratory's system. This step involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While this method is an economical way to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen result must be confirmed for legal validation. Any samples testing positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample proves presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves drawing out drugs from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most complex procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the authorization to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marengo, IA
In comparing hair testing with conventional urine tests, hair analysis prevails, providing enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests unveil substance usage up to 90 days prior, far surpassing urine tests. Marengo's Accredited Drug Testing offers this comprehensive approach, ensuring results that maintain integrity and accuracy, vital for enforcement of drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Marengo, IA
Hair follicle tests reveal drug use over extended periods, offering a 90-day retrospection that traditional tests fail to cover. Employers gain comprehensive insights into applicant or employee substance histories. This protracted evaluation window ensures decisions that contribute to sustainable workplace safety and compliance with drug-free standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marengo, IA
Hair testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering, producing reliable and definitive outcomes. With controlled collection and secure processing methods, hair analyses from Accredited Drug Testing deter sample adulteration. Marengo's centers offer an impregnable approach to drug testing, ensuring indisputable results essential for informed decision-making.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marengo, IA
The accessibility of nationwide and local testing centers facilitates easy testing processes. Accredited Drug Testing in Marengo ensures stress-free experiences with immediate access to reliable services. With strategically located centers, we guarantee convenience, accommodating both urgent and routine testing requirements seamlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marengo, IA
Engaging with Accredited Drug Testing is effortless and private. From ordering to receiving results, users experience a streamlined process prioritizing confidentiality. Our procedures ensure privacy protection, addressing user concerns and simplifying the testing journey. Marengo-based individuals find this user-centric approach vital for ease and peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marengo, IA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive cost structures paired with expedited result turnarounds. Balancing affordability with quality, we provide substantial value for companies regardless of scale. Marengo clients benefit from our efficient services, gaining peace of mind with cost-effective solutions that prioritize prompt and reliable outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marengo, IA
Optimizing both speed and precision, hair follicle tests showcase superior accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests efficiently pinpoint drugs that may evade urine detection, offering reassurance in the validity of results. Accredited Drug Testing centers in Marengo ensure prompt processing, giving users a dependable analysis with swift, actionable insights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marengo, IA
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, cutting legal liabilities. This testing sustains a safe environment, minimizing infringement risks, and enhancing operational harmony. Such measures cement trust between employers and the workforce, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety and compliance.
