Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a lengthy history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands' growing fibers. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the specimen. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When we refer to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory stages for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the scalp's underlying hair follicle.
Hair Follicle vs. Urine Testing in Otter Creek, IA
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle tests in Otter Creek outshine urine tests. Their high accuracy and reliability make them a superior choice for detecting substance use across extended periods.
Hair tests offer an advantage over traditional urine tests by providing a longer detection period. This increased accuracy and reliability in Otter Creek, IA, secures the effectiveness of workplace drug policies and legal compliance.
Extended Detection in Otter Creek, IA
With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Employers gain insights into an employee's or applicant's past habits.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Otter Creek, IA, provides a thorough examination of substance use history. This duration aids employers in making informed decisions based on a more detailed substance record.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Otter Creek, IA
Hair follicle tests drastically reduce the possibility of sample alteration, ensuring the reliability of test results. This method offers peace of mind with regard to the integrity and authenticity of drug test outcomes.
In Otter Creek, IA, hair testing provides a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening, minimizing risks of adulteration and yielding consistent, trustworthy results crucial for maintaining accuracy in testing processes.
Convenient Testing Locations in Otter Creek, IA
Our nationwide network of testing centers provides easy access to hair follicle testing. Whether in Otter Creek or anywhere else, finding a nearby center ensures a quick, hassle-free testing experience.
Benefit from our accessible testing locations in Otter Creek, providing swift and straightforward testing processes. Our centers are readily available across the nation to offer convenient testing solutions.
Simple and Confidential Process in Otter Creek, IA
Our hair testing process is both straightforward and private. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, privacy is maintained, reassuring clients of a secure testing experience.
Experience a simple and confidential testing process in Otter Creek, IA. The streamlined procedure from test requisition to result delivery ensures privacy and ease, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable and Quick Turnaround in Otter Creek, IA
Our competitive pricing structures, combined with quick turnaround times, offer exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from the affordability and timeliness of hair follicle testing services.
In Otter Creek, IA, enjoy cost-effective hair follicle tests with rapid result delivery. Our pricing and efficiency provide excellent value, easing financial and operational burdens for companies seeking reliable testing.
Fast and Accurate Testing in Otter Creek, IA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. They provide highly accurate detection of substance use, making them a preferred choice for obtaining reliable results efficiently without delay.
In Otter Creek, IA, hair testing delivers precise outcomes, offering quick and dependable results. This method ensures the identification of drug use with remarkable speed and accuracy, vital for maintaining a drug-free environment.
Employer Compliance and Security in Otter Creek, IA
Using hair follicle tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks and fostering a secure working environment. Compliance with regulations is simplified, offering employers peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Otter Creek, IA, supports employers in adhering to workplace drug policies efficiently, reducing potential legal consequences while enhancing overall safety and security within the work environment.
