Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective resource for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands can retain biomarkers in their fibers, providing a lengthy record of substance use. When acquired close to the scalp, hair can reflect up to about a 3-month timeline for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is recommended. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a drug test at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab system. This stage ensures the sample's secure sealing and shipment, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and fills in extra data that might not be covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening involves a preliminary check for drug use. Though Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, a confirmed screen result is necessary to be legally valid. Samples showing preliminary positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the main specimen for Extraction. During this, drugs are sourced from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
To confirm any positive screen results, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo a wash before confirmation when necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sheldahl, IA, hair follicle testing offers clearer advantages over traditional urine tests. It boasts superior accuracy and reliability, critical aspects for discerning drug use patterns.
This method extends the detection period to 90 days, unlike urine tests limited by their shorter time frame. These qualities make hair testing a preferred choice for longer-term assessments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Sheldahl, IA, not only offers a broader look into a person's substance history but also provides employers with the insights needed for informed decisions. Spanning up to 90 days, it offers a comprehensive evaluation, crucial for roles that demand a drug-free environment.
Sheldahl, IA, embraces hair follicle tests for their robust defense against tampering. The testing process significantly reduces risks of sample alteration, granting results that are both trustworthy and scientifically confirmed. This tamper-resistant nature gives stakeholders confidence in the outcomes.
The convenience of nationwide testing locations, including Sheldahl, IA, ensures a hassle-free experience for individuals requiring hair follicle testing. With centers easily accessible, scheduling tests is a straightforward task, providing an efficient process that respects time and necessity.
The testing process in Sheldahl, IA, is simple and maintains confidentiality, ensuring privacy throughout. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure is designed for ease of use, respecting the sensitivity of personal information and streamlining each step.
Renowned for its affordability in Sheldahl, IA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing with swift turnaround times. This not only delivers value but also peace of mind for businesses, regardless of their size, seeking reliable substance testing solutions.
In Sheldahl, IA, the hair follicle drug test stands out due to its high precision and rapid turnaround. This method provides fast results with unmatched accuracy in identifying drug use, giving it an edge over other testing techniques. Trust in its reliability, as it quickly assesses substance use.
For employers in Sheldahl, IA, hair follicle testing ensures peace of mind and strict compliance with workplace policies. Using this method, companies reduce legal risks and enhance overall safety by adhering to drug-free protocols, fostering a reliable working environment.
