Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the preferred sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The major phases in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with incorporating a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves validating the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for the presence of drugs of abuse. While it is an economical means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be considered valid in legal situations. Any samples with presumptive positive results from Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies confirm any positive screening outcomes. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation when needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Miller, IA, hair follicle tests showcase clear advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests offer superior detection accuracy, reliably identifying substance use patterns over longer periods. Unlike urine tests, which can miss certain drug use timelines, hair tests provide a more comprehensive overview, reducing false negatives and increasing trust in the results.
Hair follicle testing in Miller, IA, provides an extended detection window, allowing for drug use monitoring up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection period ensures employers have a clear view of an applicant or employee's substance use history, offering a broader perspective than short-term methods like urine tests.
In Miller, IA, hair follicle tests present a tamper-resistant solution, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. The robust nature of these tests ensures that results are authentic and reliable, offering peace of mind to employers and other stakeholders expecting unquestionable testing integrity.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Miller, IA, Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to hair follicle tests. Our widespread centers ensure that individuals can quickly and effortlessly obtain testing services without inconvenience, promoting a hassle-free experience.
In Miller, IA, the process of ordering and conducting a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes privacy and ease, ensuring individuals can comfortably navigate the testing process from start to finish, receiving their results securely.
Accredited Drug Testing in Miller, IA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our cost-effective solutions provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring reliable and quick results that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them stand out in Miller, IA. These tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results, detecting substance use with impressive accuracy. Their quick processing time ensures that employers and individuals receive the results swiftly, facilitating timely decision-making and promoting a drug-free environment.
Employers in Miller, IA, find peace of mind and compliance assurance using hair follicle testing. This method supports workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. By choosing hair testing, employers demonstrate a commitment to a safe and compliant working environment.
