Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle long-term usage of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use over a window of approximately 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. In the context of head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of incorporating a sample into the lab’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry that isn't fulfilled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use for most samples, a positive Screening result needs confirmation for legal validation. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples tested as presumptively positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. Every step of the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests in Sunbury, IA, surpass traditional urine testing methods in numerous ways. Their ability to detect substances over an extended period enhances detection accuracy, making them a preferred choice for gauging long-term drug use. This reliability stems from hair's capability to encapsulate drug residues as they enter the bloodstream.
Furthermore, hair tests are not easily compromised, offering employers a dependable solution free from adulteration risks.
Employers in Sunbury, IA, benefit from the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing, which can trace substance use back 90 days. This testing window affords a thorough understanding of a person's drug history, providing invaluable insights into potential substance abuse.
Such insight is critical for making informed decisions about workplace safety and maintaining a drug-free environment.
Sunbury, IA, relies on hair follicle tests for their resistance to tampering. These tests demand a sample collected under direct observation, thwarting attempts at substitution or adulteration. The integrity of the sample is maintained from collection to analysis, ensuring credible and validated results.
This robust method of testing minimizes challenges related to sample integrity, offering a trustworthy testing process.
For businesses and individuals in Sunbury, IA, the accessibility of nationwide testing locations—coupled with local centers—ensures quick and convenient access to diagnostic services. This network of testing sites facilitates seamless testing experiences and accommodates various client needs.
The ease of access to these locations underpins the efficiency and effectiveness of the testing process.
The process of hair follicle testing in Sunbury, IA, is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns. From the initial order to the sample collection and final result, every stage maintains confidentiality. This streamlined approach ensures a hassle-free experience.
Clients can rely on this discretion in handling personal information and test results throughout the testing process.
In Sunbury, IA, offerings of affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests provide customers with excellent value. The cost-effectiveness of this testing, combined with rapid delivery of results, ensures employers enjoy quality service without budgetary strain.
These attributes position the testing service as a preferred choice for companies of all sizes, prioritizing both value and efficiency.
In Sunbury, IA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests quickly yield reliable results, making them essential for accurately detecting substance use. Leveraging advanced technology, the tests identify the presence of drugs in hair samples, ensuring a trustworthy diagnostic process.
The swiftness at which results are delivered contributes to their superior utility, playing a crucial role in timely decision-making for employers.
In Sunbury, IA, hair follicle testing provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. By utilizing these reliable testing methods, businesses uphold strict drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety. Ensuring adherence to company regulations, this testing method represents an investment in a secure work environment.
Such assurances contribute to a productive and risk-free workspace.
