Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to collect hair, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal specimen for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptive positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), accounting for hair drug screening's advanced difficulty.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair follicle tests in Sherwood, IA, offer significant advantages over traditional urine testing methods. Unlike urine tests, the detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests remain superior. Employers and legal entities favor hair testing due to its robustness and a longer detection span, ensuring a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window
The hair follicle testing method in Sherwood, IA, provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This increased timeframe allows employers to gain a more thorough understanding of an individual's drug usage history compared to other testing methods. Such extensive detection aids in making informed decisions regarding employee or applicant suitability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Sherwood, IA, is celebrated for its tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are exceedingly difficult to adulterate. This ensures that the results are both reliable and undisputably accurate, which is crucial for maintaining integrity and trust in workplace and legal testing scenarios.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our widespread testing centers, including local ones in Sherwood, IA, allow for swift and convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This network of locations ensures that individuals and businesses can easily schedule and undertake the necessary tests without complication, thus supporting both local and national demands.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Sherwood, IA, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the testing process while maintaining confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. Privacy concerns are addressed directly, ensuring that individuals can engage with our services comfortably knowing the process respects both ease and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
For those in Sherwood, IA, our competitive pricing structures complement rapid result turnarounds. We provide exceptional value across businesses of varying sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising the quality or speed of our hair follicle testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Sherwood, IA, the accuracy of hair follicle drug tests remains unparalleled. These tests are renowned for swiftly identifying substance use with high precision. Individuals benefit from rapid processing times coupled with the certainty of correct detections, making them indispensable for both employers and testing facilities looking to maintain stringent standards across the board.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Sherwood, IA, hair follicle testing supports employers in enforcing drug-free workplace policies by ensuring compliance. This method significantly mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind for employers that their environments remain both compliant and secure.
