Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair encapsulates biomarkers within the strands as it grows, offering a prolonged history of substance usage. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to around a three-month period. The procedure of collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equal portion of body hair can be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The primary phases in processing a lab drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial processing of a specimen within a lab system. It includes confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) arbitrarily, and completing any remaining data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid examination for illicit drugs. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be credible in legal contexts. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If a Screening stage gives a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this process, substances are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than alternative methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging procedure to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screen result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing as needed. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in North Liberty, IA, hair testing shines due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests cover a broader history of drug use, providing a comprehensive overview unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope.
The primary benefits of hair testing include heightened accuracy and reliability. In contrast to urine tests, hair tests are nearly impossible to cheat, granting stakeholders in North Liberty a more trusted method of assessing substance use.
The strength of hair follicle testing in North Liberty, IA, lies in its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair testing can identify drug use over a 90-day period, offering employers a more complete view of an individual's substance history.
This long detection window is crucial for accurate assessments of habitual drug use, rather than just recent exposure. Employers benefit from this comprehensive insight for sound decision making.
Hair follicle testing in North Liberty, IA, is an excellent defense against tampering. The collection process is meticulously observed, substantially reducing the risk of manipulation found in other test forms.
This testing method assures reliable and unquestionable results, reinforcing trust and credibility. By minimizing the possibility of adulteration, hair testing becomes the prominent choice for accurate outcomes.
In North Liberty, IA, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers is unmatched. Local residents can avail themselves of our quick and easy testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Our strategically positioned local locations mean accessing our tests is never difficult. This easy accessibility provides comfort and assurance to all seeking quality testing services.
In North Liberty, IA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed to ensure privacy and ease of use.
Understanding concerns around secrecy, the procedures maintain strict confidentiality. This means peace of mind for all parties, underscoring the user-friendly nature of our services.
Our hair follicle testing services in North Liberty, IA, offer affordable pricing along with fast turnaround times. We provide great value for companies of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Competitive pricing structures coupled with efficient service deliver significant savings, making our testing an economical choice for any organization needing swift and reliable results.
In North Liberty, IA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their accuracy and speed. These tests provide precise detection of substance use, offering high reliability compared to traditional methods. With advanced techniques, the results are not only fast but also unparalleled in terms of precision.
The key advantage of hair testing lies in its high accuracy. This method minimizes the chance of false negatives, ensuring reliable outcomes swiftly. Employers and individuals can trust these results for making informed decisions.
Employers in North Liberty, IA, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method helps in mitigating legal challenges and fostering a safer work environment.
By implementing hair testing, businesses can ensure compliance and significantly reduce employment risks. This compliance assists in maintaining a safe, productive workplace.