Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for substances and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is relatively tamper-proof, and it is convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil's thickness) and nearest to the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements and/or panels exceeding ten, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh samples using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable portion of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" refers only to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The lab process for evaluating a drug test result includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where the sample is input into the lab's system. This involves confirming the correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening is a rapid preliminary test for substances. Although Screening offers a cost-effective solution for excluding drug use in most samples, a Screen positive must be substantiated for court acceptance. All samples presumptively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where Screening suggests a positive outcome, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from the hair in concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), posing a challenge for hair drug screening.
Confirmation on any positive screened sample is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The overall laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the sub-scalp follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Somers, IA, outperforms urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can reflect drug use over an extended timeframe.
Employers opting for hair testing benefit from its high reliability and reduced risks of tampering, creating a secure testing environment.
Hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests. This offers employers in Somers, IA a full picture of substance activity history.
With its extensive window, hair testing gives employers a deeper understanding of an individual's drug use patterns, supporting informed decisions.
Hair follicle tests employed in Somers, IA minimize the chances of tampering, ensuring integrity. This robust method delivers reliable, unaltered results, giving employers confidence.
By using hair tests, organizations can avoid the pitfalls of sample adulteration, ensuring the validity of drug test results.
With numerous nationwide testing centers, accessing hair follicle tests is convenient for those in Somers, IA. These centers ensure a smooth, efficient process for all participants.
Our local centers allow easy access, reducing delays and providing quick solutions to testing needs with convenience and ease.
Hair testing in Somers, IA is straightforward and private, ensuring a smooth process from ordering to receiving results. Confidentiality is maintained throughout, addressing any privacy concerns.
The testing process is designed to be customer-friendly, ensuring confidentiality and simplicity from start to finish.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle tests in Somers, IA are both affordable and efficient. Fast turnaround times further enhance our value, aiding businesses of any size.
Our services provide a fair balance of cost and rapid results, ensuring all testing needs are met promptly, boosting company confidence.
In Somers, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision. This method guarantees fast and accurate detection, providing reliable insights into substance use. Employers can trust in timely results without compromising accuracy.
Accurate and swift results make hair follicle testing a preferred choice. The reliable detection method ensures only valid data is reported, supporting timely decision-making for businesses.
Employers in Somers, IA gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing by aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This approach decreases legal liabilities while promoting safety.
Complying with workplace regulations becomes seamless as hair testing reinforces company policies, fostering a safe work environment.
