Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records long-term substance use by incorporating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history for up to three months. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches from around 200 strands (comparable in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for initial testing and confirmation. For extensive analysis like EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair can't be obtained, collection of a similar quantity of body hair is an option. Scalp hair specifically refers to hair on the head, while body hair encompasses all other types (including facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for determining a drug test outcome comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring it was sealed and transported correctly, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data inputs absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drug abuse. Although efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome during Screening necessitates verification to be valid in a legal context. Any sample with a presumptive positive result during this phase requires confirmatory testing.
For samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are subsequently extracted from hair with a lower concentration than other methods like urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Plano, IA
The prowess of hair follicle testing lies in its superior detection and reliability. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair evaluations capture a larger timeframe of drug usage, providing a clearer picture of one's history.
Employers benefit from the accuracy of hair testing, ensuring policies remain upheld without the downsides of shorter detection windows inherent in urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Plano, IA
Hair follicle testing captures drug usage over an extended timeline, up to 90 days, offering a thorough assessment of an employee or candidate's substance history.
This extended window empowers employers with insightful data, enhancing decisions regarding safety and reliability in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Plano, IA
Hair follicle tests boast robustness in preventing sample tampering, providing undeniable results that stand up to scrutiny.
The methodologies involved mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, presenting a reliable framework for drug testing that withstands attempts at falsification.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Plano, IA
Our expansive network of testing centers, both nationally and locally, ensures swift and hassle-free access to hair follicle assessments.
This convenience supports timely testing processes, enhancing accessibility for individuals and companies alike, irrespective of location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Plano, IA
With a straightforward and discreet process from ordering to receiving results, hair follicle testing alleviates privacy concerns.
Our approach safeguards individual privacy, facilitating ease of use while ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Plano, IA
Our competitive pricing schemes, coupled with rapid result generation, provide excellent value.
Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of timely, cost-effective hair testing services that don’t compromise on quality or dependability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Plano, IA
Harness the precision and speed of hair follicle testing. The unmatched accuracy ensures that substance usage is swiftly and efficiently identified after sample submission.
With hair testing, timely and exact results become a reality, offering peace of mind through their ability to consistently deliver objective, precise measurements that inform decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Plano, IA
Hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug-free initiatives, minimizing legal complexities and enhancing overall security.
This testing method provides peace of mind by ensuring your policies are respected and effectively maintained.
