Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a lengthy record of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken close to the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to modify, and straightforward to ship.
A 1.5-inch piece of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is suggested. We advise weighing the hair specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process involves four main stages in lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample's seal and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick test for drug detection. While Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen result requires confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strands, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Monroe, IA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests, primarily with its extended detection period. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter usage timeline, hair tests provide a broader picture of an individual's substance use history.
Superior detection capabilities mean hair tests can uncover drug usage up to 90 days, compared to the limited window of urine testing, rendering it a more reliable option for long-term substance use assessment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Monroe, IA, gives employers a far-reaching overview of a person's substance use history. Spanning a checking period of up to 90 days, these tests can reveal patterns of use that shorter-term tests might miss.
This broader window enables better informed decisions regarding employment and compliance, supporting sustained workplace effectiveness and safety.
Hair follicle testing in Monroe, IA, is naturally tamper-resistant, drastically reducing the opportunity for sample adulteration. Collectors observe and manage the process, ensuring integrity and that results withstand scrutiny.
This testing method reassures employers that results are reliable and valid, minimizing the risks posed by fraudulent attempts to skew outcomes in drug testing scenarios.
Monroe, IA, benefits from numerous nationwide testing centers that offer convenience and accessibility for hair follicle tests. Our widespread facilities ensure quick and easy access to drug testing services, minimizing the hassle and wait times for both employers and individuals seeking testing.
The hair follicle testing process in Monroe, IA, is simple and confidential, designed to prioritize user privacy and ease. Each phase, from ordering to receiving results, respects confidentiality, while streamlining the overall experience.
This clarity and discretion address common concerns regarding privacy and usability, reinforcing clients' trust in the process and outcomes.
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle tests in Monroe, IA, provide exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable rates without sacrificing speed, ensuring that results are both timely and economically feasible.
This balanced approach allows organizations to pursue comprehensive testing without financial strain, maintaining both fiscal and operational peace of mind.
The reliability of hair follicle testing in Monroe, IA, stems from its rapid, precise results. Providing highly accurate substance detection, hair tests swiftly confirm usage, offering peace of mind that results are trustworthy and decisions based on them are sound.
Fast processing ensures that results are delivered promptly, an advantage especially valued by employers who necessitate decisive and timely information to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
Implementing hair follicle tests helps employers in Monroe, IA, assure adherence to drug-free policies, directly supporting workplace safety and regulatory compliance. These tests minimize legal risks, providing insights over an extended timeframe that are crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.
With precise detection methods, these tests aid employers in fostering a secure workplace, offering peace of mind with regards to policy compliance and employee well-being.
