Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through capturing biomarkers inside its fibers, hair supplies an extended history of substance use. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal traces of alcohol and other drugs for roughly 90 days. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is an optimal sample for both initial screening and verification. For EtG, extra panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it’s advised to collect 150mg. Measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The comprehensive process for processing a laboratory drug test result involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample in a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, positive screenings require confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate additional verification.
Should a specimen test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva tests, highlighting why hair drug analysis is a challenging technique.
Confirmation of positive screenings utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Mediapolis, IA, hair follicle tests offer several advantages over urine tests. Hair testing provides a broader detection window, uncovering drug use up to 90 days prior, while urine tests are limited to recent consumption. This makes hair testing a superior choice for those seeking rigorous and reliable screening, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with substance policies. Accuracy and reliability are hallmarks of this method.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Mediapolis, IA, provides an extended window for detecting drug use, reaching back up to 90 days. This comprehensive outlook enables employers to gain better insight into an employee or applicant's substance history, making it a powerful tool in maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace environment. The extended detection period is a critical advantage over shorter-window alternatives.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Mediapolis, IA, hair follicle drug tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, hair samples cannot easily be tampered with, offering reliable and unquestionable results. This provides peace of mind for employers and others relying on these tests for accurate substance use evaluations. The tamper-resistant nature of hair testing ensures consistent and trustworthy outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With locations across the nation, including Mediapolis, IA, our hair follicle testing facilities are conveniently accessible. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a quick, easy, and hassle-free process. This nationwide reach means fast service for everyone in need, eliminating barriers to accessing crucial testing and ensuring results are swift and timely.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our hair follicle testing procedure in Mediapolis, IA, is designed to be both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. From ordering through to receiving results, the process is straightforward and secure. Ensuring clients enjoy peace of mind, Accredited Drug Testing protects privacy, delivering results with discretion while maintaining ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Mediapolis, IA. Our hair follicle testing services not only offer excellent value but also bring peace of mind to businesses of all sizes. Prompt results mean companies can make crucial decisions swiftly, all within budget, contributing favorably to operational efficiency and efficacy.
Fast, Accurate, Reliable Results
In Mediapolis, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. This method delivers highly accurate results that ensure substance use is detected promptly. Compared to traditional tests, hair analysis offers an opportunity to uncover drug use with greater accuracy. This means employers and individuals can make informed decisions quickly, enabling better workplace and personal outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Mediapolis, IA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By choosing this method, businesses adhere to drug-free policies effectively, mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Ensuring a drug-free environment fosters a more productive and harmonious workplace. Hair testing upholds compliance diligence and maintains organizational standards.
