Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a comprehensive timeline of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing phase whereby a sample enters a laboratory's system. This step entails verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to eliminate negative samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to hold up in legal proceedings. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is what makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Prescott, IA, hair follicle testing is emerging as a superior alternative to urine testing. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer enhanced accuracy and reliability. The extended detection period and the difficulty of manipulating results strengthen its standing as a preferred choice for drug testing.
Employers find hair testing advantageous due to its robust detection capabilities, often revealing substance use that urine tests might miss. It provides greater assurance of a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Prescott, IA, facilitates extended detection periods, reaching up to 90 days for drug traces. This method provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history, ensuring comprehensive insight into an applicant or employee's past behavior.
This prolonged detection window allows for a broader view of drug use habits, surpassing the capabilities of other testing methods, thus enabling more informed decision-making processes.
In Prescott, IA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. The nature of the test greatly reduces the risk of adulteration, providing trustworthy and irrefutable results.
Due to the procedure's inherent resistance to sample tampering, it ensures reliability. This quality makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice for organizations seeking dependable drug testing methods.
In Prescott, IA, the availability of our nationwide and local testing centers offers a convenient solution to drug testing needs. These centers provide quick and hassle-free access, exemplifying the ease of our services.
With numerous locations, testing is simplified for both individuals and businesses, eliminating logistical challenges and ensuring seamless service access across the country.
The process of undergoing hair follicle testing in Prescott, IA, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all designed to respect privacy while ensuring ease of use.
This straightforward approach addresses privacy concerns effectively, making the process stress-free for all involved and ensuring confidentiality at every stage.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Prescott, IA, offers remarkable value to companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that high-quality testing is accessible without compromising speed or reliability.
Employers benefit from the cost-effectiveness and swift results, supporting their operational needs while maintaining budgetary constraints.
The hair follicle drug test offers fast and accurate results in Prescott, IA. This testing method provides exceptional accuracy in detecting various substances. Additionally, the precision and speed of hair testing ensure a high level of reliability that is often unmatched by other methods.
Results from hair follicle testing are not only swift but also highly detailed, allowing for precise identification of drug use. This makes it an invaluable tool for businesses seeking reliable testing solutions.
For employers in Prescott, IA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method significantly reduces legal risks and helps in maintaining workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that hair follicle tests support their efforts to uphold stringent no-drug policies, contributing to a secure and compliant work environment.
