Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has emerged as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair retains a comprehensive record of substance usage over time. When sampling is done near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal alcohol and drug presence spanning up to three months. Collecting hair is not complicated, resists tampering, and can be easily transported.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp will yield about 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or assays exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg portion is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is advisable. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When head hair is mentioned, only scalp hair is implied, whereas body hair encompasses all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies a preliminary swift assessment for drug abuse signs. Though Screening is an economical means to exclude drug usage for most specimens, a positive result mandates confirmation to be legally accepted. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial collection is prepared for Extraction. Here, drug substances are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other practices (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening represents one of the more challenging testing methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is evaluated in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directives and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Excels: In Northwood, IA, hair follicle testing outmatches urine tests in numerous ways. Its superior accuracy and reliability in detecting substances provide a robust alternative, with a much longer detection window, typically up to 90 days, versus urine tests.
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing in Northwood offers an unparalleled detection accuracy. Its reliability ensures better compliance with drug-free workplace policies, offering a more insightful view of an individual's substance use history.
Longer Detection Window: In Northwood, IA, hair follicle drug tests detect drug use over a significant period, up to 90 days. This extended window provides a comprehensive picture of an employee or applicant's substance use history, offering employers invaluable insights.
Employers in Northwood can benefit from this thorough detection capability of hair testing, ensuring informed hiring and employment decisions by assessing long-term substance use patterns.
Reduced Tampering Risks: Hair follicle tests in Northwood, IA, are designed to minimize sample adulteration risks. This robust testing method ensures samples remain untouched, offering reliable and unquestionable results.
Employers and legal entities in Northwood favor hair tests because they significantly lower tampering potential, providing greater confidence in the results obtained, compared to other testing methods.
Convenient Testing: In Northwood, IA, our testing centers offer nationwide convenience, ensuring easy and hassle-free access. This broad network makes it simple for individuals and employers to get tested without delay.
With strategically located testing sites, accessing our services in Northwood is smooth and straightforward, facilitating a seamless experience for drug testing needs.
Confidential Process: Our process in Northwood, IA, is designed to be simple and confidential, from ordering to results. This secure procedure addresses privacy concerns effectively, ensuring ease of use throughout.
With hair follicle testing in Northwood, confidentiality is paramount, providing stakeholders reassurance that personal information remains private and protected through every stage.
Competitive Pricing: In Northwood, IA, our hair follicle drug tests offer competitive pricing, coupled with fast turnaround times. This combination provides exceptional value for companies of all sizes seeking affordable testing solutions.
For businesses in Northwood, the cost-effectiveness of our services ensures peace of mind, along with timely results, delivering quality without breaking the bank.
Fast Results: In Northwood, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed. With a streamlined process, results are delivered swiftly, keeping waiting times to a minimum. Our methods ensure quick turnaround, so you get the answers you need promptly.
Accurate Testing: Hair follicle testing in Northwood offers high accuracy, providing employers and individuals with reliable data on substance use. This precision reassures those relying on the tests for critical decisions.
Reliable Outcomes: When it comes to drug testing, hair analysis in Northwood, IA, consistently delivers trustworthy results, aiding in firm decision-making and ensuring accurate assessments.
Employer Compliance: Hair follicle testing in Northwood, IA, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks, enhancing workplace safety and peace of mind for employers.
With hair testing, Northwood employers ensure a safer work environment. The compliance with strict drug policies becomes easier, mitigating any potential legal concerns and safeguarding employees.
