Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug exposure by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can yield around a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to send.
An amount of 1.5-inch hair comprising about 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for assessment and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Scalp hair" refers only to hair on the head. "Body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The central phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial inclusion of a sample into the lab’s system. It involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing other data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen must be verified for court admissibility. Any samples that test presumptive positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, more hair is used from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most complex techniques to carry out.
Confirmation for any positive screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Plover, IA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, offering greater detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a detailed view of an individual's drug history, detecting substances over a prolonged period, thus proving superior for stringent employer drug policies aimed at creating a safe work environment.
In Plover, IA, the extended window of detection offered by hair follicle testing gives a detailed account of drug use over the last 90 days. This prolonged detection period allows employers to assess an individual's long-term compliance with drug-free policies, resulting in a more informed evaluation.
Hair follicle testing is highly resistant to tampering, making it a trustworthy choice in Plover, IA. The method ensures the sample remains unaltered, producing reliable results that stakeholders can trust, thus reducing the odds of false negatives due to adulteration or substitution.
Convenient nationwide access is a reality with our testing services, including local Plover, IA centers. With quick and easy access to numerous testing sites, obtaining a hair follicle test is hassle-free, providing the needed flexibility for various scheduling needs.
The process for hair follicle testing in Plover, IA is straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test, taking the sample, to receiving private results, this method addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, offering peace of mind throughout the process.
In Plover, IA, affordable pricing and swift turnaround in hair follicle testing cater to businesses of all sizes. The combination of competitive costs and prompt results offers excellent value, allowing companies to quickly implement drug-free workplace initiatives without straining budgets.
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned in Plover, IA for their speed and precision. These tests provide rapid results while maintaining high levels of accuracy, making them reliable for detecting substance use. The timely and precise results aid in efficient decision-making processes for employers.
For Plover, IA employers, using hair follicle testing aligns with compliance requirements, ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This testing method not only limits legal risks but also promotes a safer work environment, granting peace of mind to both employers and employees.
