Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-standing record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil width) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts the process of entering a sample into the lab's system. It includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an immediate preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use in most instances, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Any samples foreshadowed as positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive outcome, more hair is collected from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples assumed to be positive undergo cleaning before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
For residents and businesses in Pisgah, IA, hair follicle testing has proven superior to traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer better detection accuracy, picking up on drug use that urine tests may miss. These tests are reliable and less susceptible to tampering.
In Pisgah, IA, hair follicle drug testing offers an extended detection window, capturing substance use up to 90 days prior. This gives employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history, crucial for informed decision making.
Hair follicle testing methods in Pisgah, IA are designed to minimize the risk of tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are not easily adulterated, ensuring reliable, consistent results every time.
Pisgah, IA residents and businesses benefit from convenient nationwide testing centers. With easy access and local facilities, obtaining drug testing services is hassle-free, ensuring quick and effective action when needed.
Our drug testing process in Pisgah, IA is simple and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, ensuring a stress-free experience for all involved.
In Pisgah, IA, we offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing. Our services provide outstanding value, catering to companies of all sizes seeking effective, budget-friendly testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests in Pisgah, IA are known for their speed and accuracy. These tests offer quick turnaround times, providing precise results that help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about substance use.
Employers in Pisgah, IA achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing. Adopting this method helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safe, productive working environment.
