Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for determining alcohol and drug use. Hair captures biomarkers in its fibers, providing a prolonged history of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. It's easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's size) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for testing. For EtG, add-ons, or analyses above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair only. "Body hair" includes other types like facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of logging the sample into the lab’s system. It entails checking the sample's sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid check for abuse drugs. Though cost-effective for excluding drug usage in many samples, a positive screen must be validated for courtroom purposes. Samples only assumed positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If deemed presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for Extraction, a stage where drugs are obtained from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), thus marking hair drug screening as highly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Rinard, IA, proves superior to traditional urine tests. With better detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide comprehensive insights into substance history. Unlike urine tests, which have limited windows, hair tests reveal longer-term substance use, ensuring employers receive a detailed picture of potential risks.
Employers in Rinard, IA, favor hair follicle drug tests for their extended detection window, revealing up to 90 days of substance use history. This allows for a broader understanding of an individual’s habits, unlike shorter-period tests, providing more informed decision-making regarding employment candidature.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Rinard, IA, reduces the chance of sample manipulation, offering dependable and unquestionable findings. Compared to urine tests, which are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide an added layer of authenticity in drug testing procedures.
With our convenient nationwide testing centers, including facilities in Rinard, IA, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. Our expansive network ensures swift, straightforward, and stress-free test appointments, accommodating the busy schedules of employers and individuals.
In Rinard, IA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to results delivery, each step prioritizes privacy and ease. Clients can trust the streamlined approach we provide, ensuring their personal information remains secure throughout the process.
Our competitive rates in Rinard, IA, ensure affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround. This balance offers significant value, catering to companies of varying sizes, reinforcing our commitment to providing cost-effective testing without compromising quality or timeliness.
In Rinard, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its precision and rapidity. Fast, accurate, and reliable, these tests provide quick results, making them efficient for timely decision-making. The ability to detect substance use with high accuracy sets them apart as the favored choice for many organizations.
Rinard, IA companies enjoy compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. It supports workplace drug policies, minimizes legal liabilities, and promotes a safe work environment. Employers can confidently adopt this method, as it meets compliance standards while avoiding potential legal challenges.
