Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term view by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fiber during growth. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection range of up to three months for substance use. The collection process is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of around 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp yields approximately 100mg, perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferred. It's advisable to measure the hair weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process in drug testing consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial integration into a lab's system, ensuring it’s sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift check for drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage in most cases, a positive outcome needs a confirmation for legal admission. Samples that indicate positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for processing in Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from hair at a lower concentration compared to alternatives like urine or oral fluid; this complexity makes hair drug screening particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples indicating positive are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Maxwell, IA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This type of testing can uncover substance use that urine tests might miss, providing a more complete picture of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Maxwell, IA, extends the detection window up to 90 days, unlike other methods. This extended timeframe delivers an exhaustive overview of an employee's or applicant's drug history. Employers use this robust tool to evaluate an individual's substance usage comprehensively, ensuring informed hiring decisions. By offering insights into past behavior, hair tests support safer and more productive work environments.
With the adoption of hair follicle tests in Maxwell, IA, the threat of sample adulteration is significantly diminished. The test's ability to deliver reliable outcomes stems from its resistance to tampering, as the observed collection process and the nature of hair samples discourage fraudulent behaviors. Organizations benefit from this testing's secure nature, guaranteeing authenticity in results and maintaining confidence in their testing protocols.
Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network ensures convenient access to testing facilities both in Maxwell, IA, and nationwide. This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, offering quick and easy options for individuals needing a test.
Maxwell, IA's hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns over privacy and ease of access. From ordering to receiving results, individuals experience streamlined and discreet handling of their tests. This ensures a comfortable process, safeguarding personal information while delivering the necessary insights into substance use.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Maxwell, IA. This affordable approach ensures businesses of all sizes can access reliable testing without substantial costs.
With quick result delivery and excellent value, businesses can make informed decisions confidently and efficiently, balancing cost and quality effectively through these services.
Hair follicle drug tests in Maxwell, IA, are known for their fast and accurate results. The method achieves high precision, detecting substance use with remarkable reliability. Employers and individuals rely on this testing for its efficiency and dependable outcomes. The analysis process is streamlined to ensure quick results without compromising accuracy, making it a preferred choice for those seeking certainty in their testing.
Ensuring a drug-free workplace in Maxwell, IA, is simplified through hair follicle testing. This method aids in compliance with policies, reducing legal risks while enhancing safety and productivity.
