Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide roughly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those above 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In this context, head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for a drug test result in the lab includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a lab's system. This stage verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick initial test for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, positive screenings must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation if needed. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests in Riverdale, IA.
Its superior detection capabilities provide a more reliable assessment of drug use over time, which is why many organizations prefer it.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing boasts a significantly broader detection window.
This makes it an attractive choice for employers who prioritize long-term accuracy in drug testing protocols.
In Riverdale, IA, hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window,
effectively uncovering drug use for a span of up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's recent substance history.
Employers find assurance in comprehensive substance tracking,
gaining a clearer understanding of applicants or employees' habits over time.
With hair follicle tests in Riverdale, IA, the tampering risk significantly diminishes.
This reliable method offers unquestionable results, propelling it as a trustworthy choice for drug testing.
Hair testing's observed collection process further alleviates tampering concerns,
incorporating a secure and effective approach to substance testing.
Our Riverdale, IA network offers convenient testing centers across the nation.
These facilities facilitate a swift, easy, and hassle-free access to professional testing services.
Quick and accessible, these expansive locations ensure a seamless
experience for clients requiring specialized testing solutions.
In Riverdale, IA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential.
From ordering to result delivery, each step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity.
We address privacy concerns effectively, providing a smooth process for all clients,
emphasizing ease of use and confidentiality in handling results.
In Riverdale, IA, our pricing is competitive, offering affordability without compromising quality.
Fast turnaround times deliver results promptly, ensuring excellent value for all businesses.
From small businesses to large corporations, our structure accommodates
efficient services with swift timeframes to meet diverse client needs.
In Riverdale, IA, hair follicle drug tests offer unrivaled precision and speed.
The meticulous detection of substance use ensures that results are both fast and accurate, an essential factor for employers prioritizing reliability.
The high accuracy of these tests captures detailed substance traceability,
putting emphasis on their proficiency to detect even minor drug use efficiently.
Ensuring workplace safety in Riverdale, IA, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free policies.
It minimizes legal risks and promotes health and safety in work environments.
Employers gain peace of mind from comprehensive testing protocols,
fortifying a zero-tolerance approach against drug use effectively.