Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug usage over approximately a 3-month span. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and expanded panels beyond 10, 150mg is recommended. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The complete lab processing of a drug test result includes these primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample enters the lab's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most cases, any positive screening results require secondary confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo this confirmation.
Should Screening indicate a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which accounts for the challenging nature of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of positive screening findings is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory operations from Accessioning to Confirmation are scrutinized in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", these assays assess the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nemaha, IA
When comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests, the former stands out with greater detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests trace drug use over extended periods, providing employers with a broader perspective on substance use history. This contrasts with urine tests' shorter detection timelines, making hair tests a superior choice for thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Nemaha, IA
One standout advantage of hair follicle testing is its lengthy detection window, which can cover up to 90 days. This gives employers in Nemaha a more thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history. With such extended visibility, employers are equipped to make better-informed staffing decisions, fostering a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nemaha, IA
Hair follicle drug tests significantly reduce the potential for sample manipulation, ensuring reliable results. This tamper-proof method provides unequivocal outcomes, establishing trust in the accuracy of the data collected. Organizations can be assured of the integrity of the testing process, eliminating the margin for dishonesty or error.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nemaha, IA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures that individuals and businesses in Nemaha, IA, have prompt and convenient access to testing services. With multiple locations available, the process becomes straightforward and hassle-free, offering a comprehensive approach to coverage and accessibility for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Nemaha, IA
Ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Nemaha is a straightforward and discreet procedure. Our process respects individual privacy, ensuring ease of use without compromising confidentiality. This streamlined approach caters to client concerns, upholding their trust and comfort throughout every testing phase.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nemaha, IA
Nebama organizations benefit from our hair follicle testing, which offers competitive pricing and swift result delivery. Our cost-effective services ensure valuable returns, accommodating companies regardless of size. Offering fast turnarounds, we empower businesses to maintain safety while managing expenses prudently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nemaha, IA
Hair follicle drug tests in Nemaha, IA, offer rapid, precise results, highlighting their overwhelming accuracy in identifying substance use. The testing process ensures swift turnarounds, assisting employers in making timely, informed decisions regarding workplace safety. Emphasizing accuracy ensures peace of mind in discerning the true extent of substance consumption.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nemaha, IA
Employing hair follicle tests enables Nemaha employers to adhere to workplace drug-free policies effectively. These tests minimize legal risks, enhancing the feeling of security. Employers gain peace of mind with a compliant workforce, knowing that maintaining safety protocols won’t involve legal complications or safety threats.
