Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected from near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, with approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, weighs 100mg, which is considered the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, extra tests, and/or beyond 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas "body hair" applies to any other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Summary
There are four key steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing to enter the lab's system. This process involves verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary test to check for the presence of drugs. While cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs to be confirmed for legal validity. Any samples presumed positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a positive result, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves drug retrieval from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug testing is complex to conduct.
The Confirmation step for any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process. Every stage of lab processing, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: The test often called "hair follicle test" actually analyzes the strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Onslow, IA
In Onslow, IA, hair follicle testing has shown to be superior to traditional urine tests. The increased detection accuracy of hair tests showcases their effectiveness in identifying long-term drug use. This method surpasses urine tests in reliability, ensuring results are consistent and truthful.
While urine tests are prevalent, they only detect recent drug use. Hair tests, however, cover a broader timeline, providing a better overview of an individual’s drug history and enabling more informed decision-making.
Extended Detection Window in Onslow, IA
Hair follicle drug testing offers a remarkable detection period extending up to 90 days, giving employers in Onslow, IA a comprehensive perspective of an individual's drug history. This extended window highlights past drug use more effectively than shorter-detection methods.
For companies seeking thorough background checks, the extended detection offered by hair tests is invaluable, ensuring that a complete substance history of potential and current employees is assessed accurately.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Onslow, IA
One significant advantage of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. Businesses in Onslow, IA can trust this method for its ability to deliver reliable and unaltered results. Unlike other testing procedures, tampering with a hair sample is nearly impossible.
This robust testing method offers peace of mind to employers who need definitive answers. With hair testing, the integrity of each sample is assured, preventing any attempts at sample adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Onslow, IA
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to hair follicle testing with various nationwide and local centers in Onslow, IA. This accessibility guarantees a hassle-free experience for those needing testing services right away.
Our network of testing locations ensures that services are quick and accessible, enabling prompt testing across the nation and locally in Onslow. This convenience is crucial for both employers and individuals alike, emphasizing our commitment to ease of service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Onslow, IA
The process of hair follicle testing in Onslow, IA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Every step, from ordering to testing and receiving results, is streamlined to ensure privacy and ease.
Addressing concerns of confidentiality, this straightforward testing process allows individuals and companies to confidently undertake testing without concern for personal data breaches or complications in execution.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Onslow, IA
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Onslow, IA. Our approach ensures excellent value for businesses without sacrificing speed or reliability in results.
Quick delivery of results paired with budget-friendly rates make our hair testing services attractive to organizations of all sizes. We balance affordability with performance, giving employers confidence in their testing choices.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Onslow, IA
Efficiency and accuracy are key when it comes to drug testing. Hair follicle tests deliver precise results swiftly, ensuring that any substance use is identified with high accuracy. Organizations in Onslow, IA, rely on this method as it provides dependable outcomes for critical decision-making.
Employers benefit from the reliability of hair follicle tests, receiving fast results without the risk of false negatives. This test method confirms substance use accurately, offering clarity and assurance in hiring decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Onslow, IA
Employers in Onslow, IA can maintain compliance with drug-free policies by employing hair follicle testing. This testing method mitigates legal risks associated with non-compliance while enhancing workplace safety.
Ensuring a drug-free environment is crucial for both safety and legal reasons. Hair testing provides employers the reassurance that they are complying with necessary regulations, fostering a better workplace culture.
