Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly seen as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use because it embeds biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. By sampling hair closest to the scalp, it can reveal use within an approximate three-month timeframe for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, making tampering challenging, and the samples are easy to transport.
An ideal test sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, totaling 100mg. This amount is optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised, best measured on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four critical phases in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This process involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a financially efficient method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in court. Samples with presumptive positive results at the Screening stage necessitate follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than what is observed in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before Confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are washed if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand and not the scalp's hair follicle.
Hair vs. Urine Testing in Strahan, IA: The hair follicle test is renowned for its superior detection compared to urine tests. Not only does it provide a broader detection window, but it is also far more difficult to evade. This enhanced reliability makes it a first choice for companies seeking thorough drug screenings.
Extended Detection Capability: The ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days via hair testing allows employers in Strahan, IA to gain a detailed understanding of one's substance use history. This comprehensive insight aids in evaluating an individual's long-term behaviors and habits.
Secure & Tamper-Resistant: Hair follicle tests in Strahan, IA are known for resisting sample adulteration. This rigorous method ensures authenticity, leaving no room for doubt regarding the test results.
Accessible Testing Locations: Our widespread network, including facilities in Strahan, IA, offers unparalleled convenience. Whether you're local or traveling, our testing centers ensure hassle-free access to drug testing services nationwide.
Confidential & Easy Process: Ordering and completing a hair follicle test in Strahan, IA is straightforward. The entire procedure is confidential, ensuring privacy and ease at every step, from scheduling to receiving the results.
Cost-Effective & Quick: In Strahan, IA, our competitive pricing, combined with rapid turnaround times, ensures that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value without compromising quality or speed of service.
Fast & Reliable Testing Solutions: In Strahan, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision. They quickly detect substance use, providing accurate and trustworthy results. This speed and reliability are crucial for making informed decisions promptly.
Ensuring Compliance & Assurance: Utilizing hair testing methods, employers in Strahan, IA can effectively uphold drug-free work environments. This not only mitigates legal risks but also boosts workplace safety, providing peace of mind.
