Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair provides a comprehensive history over a prolonged period. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to 3 months. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of approximately 200 strands (about a #2 pencil size) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in processing a drug test in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information not already included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary analysis for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Samples presumptively positive during Screening will use additional hair from the initial batch and ready it for Extraction. This stage retrieves drugs from hair at far smaller concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as exceptionally challenging to perform.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Norway, IA
Extended Detection Window in Norway, IA
Hair follicle testing is pivotal in recognizing drug usage history over an extended period, up to 90 days. This enables employers to obtain a substantial outlook on an individual’s past habits.
Incorporating this methodology can lead to more informed hiring choices, thus enhancing workplace safety and integrity. This extensive detection capacity offers a true sense of an applicant's or current employee's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Norway, IA
One of the foremost advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering, with sample integrity being easy to maintain under observation.
This effectively reduces the risk of adulteration, which is more prevalent in standard urine testing. As a result, employers receive more reliable and unquestionable outcomes, strengthening the credibility of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Norway, IA
Our network of testing centers ensures easy access to hair follicle drug testing across the country. This national presence facilitates quick and hassle-free testing, catering to the needs of both corporations and individuals alike, including those in Norway, IA.
The widespread availability simplifies the process for employees, providing a streamlined connection between business operations and testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Norway, IA
The process for hair follicle drug testing emphasizes privacy from start to finish. Ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is designed to be straightforward, enabling participants to have full confidence in personal data security.
This simplicity and discretion alleviate concerns surrounding privacy, ensuring that all testing participants in Norway, IA can engage without hesitation.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Norway, IA
Our competitive pricing strategies make high-quality drug testing accessible for businesses of any size. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, these factors support organizations in maintaining operational fluidity without financial strain.
Providing great value, Accredited Drug Testing supports companies in fostering drug-free workplaces without compromising budgetary constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Norway, IA
Hair follicle drug testing offers remarkable precision and reliability. The method ensures rapid collection and processing, delivering results that employers trust. This expedient service contrasts sharply with traditional methods where waiting for outcomes can hinder crucial employment decisions.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing is why it's favored over other testing forms. With a fine-tuned approach to detecting substance use, this method leaves little room for error, giving businesses in Norway, IA the assurance needed for confident decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Norway, IA
Adopting hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free mandates, mitigating legal risks significantly.
Employers can rest assured with this method, knowing that their anti-drug policies are enforced effectively, promoting safer work environments and reducing liabilities affiliated with drug use in the workplace.
