Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, the same amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial handling of a sample in a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that screen positive need a secondary confirmation.
If the Screening stage indicates presumptive positivity, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stilson, IA
Hair testing provides numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, notably its superior detection window. While urine tests are limited to recent usage, hair tests can identify drug use over a longer period, offering a more comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, which is critical for employers and legal systems.
Moreover, hair follicle testing is less susceptible to tampering, unlike urine tests that can be easily manipulated. This ensures reliability, giving employers and authorities the assurance they need in maintaining policy adherence and fairness.
Extended Detection Window in Stilson, IA
One of the standout features of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection period. Unlike urine tests that identify recent usage, hair samples can uncover drug activity for up to 90 days. This ability provides a thorough overview of an individual’s substance habits, revealing patterns unnoticed in shorter-term testing methods.
Employers benefit from this longer detection window, making more informed choices regarding potential hires or current employees. The broad timeframe ensures that previous usage is accounted for, promoting a safer and more reliable workplace atmosphere.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Stilson, IA
The integrity of hair follicle tests is unrivaled as they present a tamper-resistant method for drug detection. The risk of sample adulteration is virtually eliminated, ensuring results that are both reliable and unquestionable, crucial for maintaining justice and accuracy.
The collection process, conducted under supervised conditions, further strengthens its resistance to manipulation. This robustness offers peace of mind to all parties, knowing that the outcomes are a true reflection of one’s drug history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Stilson, IA
Our expansive network of testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Stilson, ensures convenient and seamless access to our services. This setup allows for rapid and hassle-free testing, catering to urgent needs with ease and efficiency.
Individuals and organizations can take advantage of our well-established system, ensuring all testing requirements are met without delay. This nationwide presence guarantees that our services are reachable and practical for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process in Stilson, IA
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. Clients can expect a seamless experience from ordering to result delivery, maintaining privacy every step of the way. This transparency is key to alleviating concerns about confidentiality.
By prioritizing ease and security, our system ensures that all aspects of testing are handled with the utmost care and consideration, providing peace of mind through a simple, private experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stilson, IA
Our competitive pricing structure coupled with quick turnaround times provides businesses with exceptional value. This affordability, coupled with quality, makes hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes, ensuring budgetary constraints don’t impede essential testing needs.
Choosing our services means opting for cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on speed or accuracy. Our results empower employers with timely, reliable information without breaking the bank, enhancing operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Stilson, IA
The hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision in detecting substance use. This method ensures timely and dependable results, essential for decision-making in sensitive matters. With our commitment to accuracy, hair testing surpasses other methods, providing confidence and clarity to both parties involved in the testing process.
Thanks to advancements in testing technology, hair follicle tests deliver fast results without compromising quality. This strength makes it a preferred option for timely evaluations, ensuring that standards are met swiftly and effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stilson, IA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers meet compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. It reduces legal liabilities while enhancing safety, providing assurance when it's needed most. By ensuring adherence to company policies, employers can guarantee a safer, more efficient work environment.
Maintaining a drug-free workplace is paramount for productivity and safety. Hair follicle testing assures employers of comprehensive substance checks, removing doubts and reinforcing trust.
