Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a historical record of substance use, embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing strand. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for various substances. Collection of hair samples is straightforward, hard to alter, and easy to transport.
For an effective sample, gather a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, the recommended amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is ideal. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, equivalent body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, we're specifically talking about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, and similar areas).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, involving the incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirmation that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any required data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an immediate assessment for potential drug presence. Although Screening is an economical strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result from screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples that test positive initially in Screening must undergo secondary verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing among the more challenging techniques.
Verification of any positive findings in Screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed. The full lab operation from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle embedded in the scalp
In Middletown, IA, the preference for hair follicle testing over urine tests is evident due to several key advantages. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy, capturing a longer history of substance use.
Unlike urine tests, which might only spot recent usage, hair tests offer a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug history. This reliability gives employers and legal entities confidence in their assessments and decisions regarding substance use policies.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Middletown, IA, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period. With a detection window reaching up to 90 days, this method provides a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history.
Employers benefit from this thorough examination by obtaining a complete picture of an applicant's or employee's potential drug involvement. This long-term detection capability surpasses other testing methods, ensuring informed decisions and safer work environments.
Hair follicle tests in Middletown, IA, significantly reduce tampering risks, providing reliable results that are difficult to dispute. The method's design minimizes opportunities for sample adulteration compared to other testing methods.
By relying on hair testing, employers and individuals can trust the integrity of the results, knowing they represent a genuine assessment of substance use. This confidence in tamper resistance enhances trust in the testing process and its outcomes.
Middletown, IA, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of nationwide testing centers, offering convenience and accessibility for all. With numerous centers available, individuals can easily access services.
This broad coverage ensures quick and hassle-free testing experiences, meeting the needs of those seeking efficient drug testing solutions. The local presence, combined with national reach, underscores our commitment to availability and customer satisfaction.
The hair follicle testing process in Middletown, IA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized at every step.
Individuals can confidently engage in the testing process, knowing that their personal information is handled discreetly. This simple approach allows for smooth participation and satisfactory experiences for all involved, emphasizing customer confidentiality throughout.
In Middletown, IA, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, making hair follicle tests an affordable choice. This ensures excellent value for businesses regardless of size.
Our pricing structures are designed with cost-effectiveness in mind, providing peace of mind through reliable and quick results. Companies benefit from the combination of affordability and high-quality service, reinforcing their commitment to safety and efficient operations.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched, particularly in Middletown, IA, where fast and reliable results are paramount. This testing method delivers accurate outcomes, detecting substance use efficiently.
The accuracy of hair testing methods ensures that results are trustworthy, giving stakeholders in Middletown confidence in the data. The rapid turnaround on these tests means that decisions can be made promptly, benefiting both individuals and organizations alike.
Hair follicle testing in Middletown, IA, helps ensure that employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety by identifying substance use accurately.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their screening process aligns with regulatory compliance, upholding their commitment to a safe and productive work environment. The comprehensive insight provided by hair tests supports enforceable and fair drug policies.
