Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When sourced from near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, it’s relatively resistant to tampering, and it’s simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, representing the optimal sample for evaluation and verification. For EtG, supplemental assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a precision scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair apply specifically to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test outcomes encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any necessary data entry excluded from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening denotes the preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands corroboration to be legally valid. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. In this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive findings during screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Quasqueton, IA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior accuracy and trustworthiness. Long detection periods make hair testing a more effective measure, revealing drug use patterns over time. The dependability of hair tests wins favor across various professions and legal systems.
Quasqueton, IA, employers find value in the elongated detection period offered by hair follicle testing. Spanning up to 90 days, it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a person's substance history. This long window is critical for making informed decisions about employment and safety.
Hair follicle testing in Quasqueton, IA, minimizes the likelihood of sample tampering. Its robust nature prevents alterations or distortions, delivering results that are virtually tamper-proof. This reliability enhances its appeal to those concerned with maintaining authenticity in testing.
Our nationwide testing centers, including those in Quasqueton, IA, provide convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This extensive network ensures a simple and hassle-free experience for all individuals seeking such tests.
Quasqueton, IA, residents benefit from a straightforward and confidential process when opting for hair follicle testing. The ease of ordering, testing, and receiving the results encourages user trust and addresses concerns surrounding privacy.
Quasqueton, IA companies can take advantage of hair follicle testing's competitive pricing and quick results. This affordability, matched with a rapid turnaround time, presents an excellent value proposition for businesses of all sizes.
In Quasqueton, IA, hair follicle drug tests are revered for their efficiency and accuracy. The precision with which these tests identify the presence of substances in the body is exemplary. Furthermore, the rapid processing of results ensures that individuals don’t have to wait long periods to receive their outcomes, reinforcing trust in the testing system.
In Quasqueton, IA, opting for hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal uncertainties and enhancing workplace safety. This peace of mind arises from knowing that they are meeting compliance needs effectively.
