Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair during its growth, hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and other substances. When collected near the scalp, it can reveal substance presence for up to an estimated 3-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An optimal screening and confirmation sample comprises a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen mass of 150mg is advised. The specimen should ideally be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If unavailable, body hair may serve as an alternative. References to head hair exclusively pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for drug test processing encompass four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails integrating a sample into a lab’s system, verifying proper sealing and transport, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, positive results require confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening need further confirmation.
For samples that show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive Screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", this test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Riceville, IA
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Riceville, IA, this method provides a more comprehensive assessment, uncovering substance use over an extended timeframe while reducing the likelihood of false negatives.
Extended Detection Window in Riceville, IA
Hair follicle testing is ideal for observing drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This longer window provides employers in Riceville, IA with an expansive overview of an individual's substance use history, aiding informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Riceville, IA
The risk of adulteration is significantly minimized with hair follicle tests. In Riceville, IA, this method preserves the integrity of the sample, delivering reliable results that are difficult to question or manipulate.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Riceville, IA
With our strategically placed nationwide facilities and local options in Riceville, IA, accessing comprehensive testing services is simple and convenient. Our centers ensure quick and hassle-free service, meeting diverse testing needs proficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Riceville, IA
The process for hair follicle testing in Riceville, IA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, our approach ensures privacy and ease, accommodating user concerns regarding confidentiality and utilizability.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Riceville, IA
We are committed to offering competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times in Riceville, IA. Our cost-effective structure and rapid response provide excellent value, appealing to businesses of all sizes seeking reliable testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Riceville, IA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed compared to traditional methods. In Riceville, IA, our testing process ensures high accuracy in detecting a wide range of substances, providing clear results that can be trusted by employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Riceville, IA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies in Riceville, IA, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers gain confidence knowing they are upholding compliance standards effectively.
