Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term history of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of growing hair strands. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, making hair samples hard to tamper with and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation purposes. For testing options like EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair includes any other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is done in four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of samples, includes the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carries out any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial, rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. It serves as a cost-effective method for eliminating suspicions of drug use in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus, making hair drug screening a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as required. The entire laboratory operation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis concentrates on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Ridgeway, IA, hair testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy. This method provides enhanced reliability, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of substance use.
Employers in Ridgeway benefit from the more extensive detection window of hair tests, which significantly improves their ability to maintain a drug-free workplace compared to urine testing.
Hair follicle testing in Ridgeway, IA offers up to a 90-day detection window, providing employers with a thorough overview of a person's substance history. This extended period aids in making better hiring or retention decisions.
The ability to see drug use history over a longer span ensures that companies can maintain a safer, more reliable workforce.
Ridgeway, IA's hair follicle tests are engineered to minimize the risk of sample tampering. Their robust methodology offers unquestionable results, reducing doubts about authenticity.
With hair testing, Ridgeway employers can be confident in receiving genuine test results, a key factor in maintaining a trustworthy drug testing process.
Ridgeway, IA offers convenient access to Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers, ensuring a hassle-free testing process. With local facilities, testing becomes swift and accessible for everyone.
Whether you're in Ridgeway or elsewhere, our locations make it easy to leverage professional testing services, ensuring quick access whenever needed.
In Ridgeway, IA, our simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing ensures ease of ordering, sampling, and receiving results. This method respects privacy and user convenience.
Our commitment to confidentiality guarantees peace of mind, offering an uncomplicated yet secure testing experience for all participants.
Ridgeway, IA clients access competitive pricing for hair follicle testing. This affordability, paired with fast turnaround times, promises excellent value, regardless of company size.
Our efficient service ensures that organizations enjoy both quality results and cost-effectiveness, enhancing overall satisfaction.
In Ridgeway, IA, the precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests deliver high accuracy in identifying substance use, facilitating prompt and informed decision-making.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing ensures reliable outcomes, making it an ideal choice for those in need of fast results without compromising on precision.
Hair follicle testing in Ridgeway, IA helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, fostering a secure working environment. This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are upholding high standards and advancing organizational integrity.
