Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair captures a comprehensive history of substance intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for up to a three-month period. Collecting hair is a straightforward process, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the recommended amount for conducting screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or when testing exceeds 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be acquired, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specify it as scalp hair alone. Body hair denotes other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab comprises four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial sample processing into the lab's workflow. This step involves checking the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and entering any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the preliminary examination for substance misuse. While Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use suspicion in most cases, any positive result must be confirmed for court acceptability. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive during Screening, a portion of the original specimen proceeds to the Extraction phase. Here, the substances are derived from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than seen in methods like urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is arguably the most complex to perform.
Confirmation of any Screening positives uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and abides by the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle underneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in McCallsburg, IA, offers several advantages over traditional urine tests. Better detection accuracy, a longer detection window, and lower chances of manipulation make it a superior choice. The reliability of hair tests ensures that employers can trust the results.
One major advantage of hair follicle testing in McCallsburg, IA, is the extended detection window. Capable of detecting drug use for up to 90 days, employers benefit from a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, crucial for informed decision-making.
In McCallsburg, IA, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature. The complexity of the testing method greatly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable, providing peace of mind.
With a network of convenient testing locations, including those in McCallsburg, IA, we offer easy access to our services nationwide. Our testing centers provide a quick and hassle-free way to obtain necessary tests efficiently and effectively.
The process for hair follicle testing in McCallsburg, IA is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, the system addresses privacy concerns efficiently, providing ease of use and ensuring client confidentiality throughout the process.
Our services in McCallsburg, IA provide affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. This ensures excellent value for companies of all sizes, combining competitive pricing with the assurance of quick and reliable results.
At testing centers in McCallsburg, IA, we ensure fast, accurate, and reliable hair follicle drug test results. The swiftness and precision of these tests aid in detecting substances with great accuracy. The advanced analytical capability means fewer false positives and quick results.
In McCallsburg, IA, using hair follicle testing provides employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances safety, fostering a secure working environment for everyone.
