Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a crucial method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When cut close to the head, hair can offer nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent weight of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a specimen into the lab’s system. This process involves checking that the specimen was sealed and transported correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry that isn’t provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment to check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective technique for ruling out drug use on most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples with presumptively positive results during Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated 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: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing is Superior: In Vail, IA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering extended detection and enhanced accuracy. Employers and professionals prefer it for its thorough analysis and difficulty to manipulate, making it a trustworthy choice.
Comparison to Urine Tests: Hair follicle tests boast a broader detection window and greater reliability, setting them apart from traditional urine tests. This distinction is crucial, particularly in environments demanding precise adherence to drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Benefits: Hair follicle testing in Vail, IA, offers an extensive detection range, reaching up to 90 days in review. This broader scope provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, vital for employers evaluating candidates or current staff.
Comprehensive Substance History: Using hair follicle tests enables employers to capture a thorough record of drug use spanning up to three months, making it an invaluable tool for ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Reduce Tampering Risks: Hair follicle tests in Vail, IA, are designed to minimize sample adulteration, ensuring results are consistently reliable. This method's integrity is unmatched, safeguarding against potential manipulation effectively.
Unquestionable Reliability: The robust nature of hair follicle testing makes it a dependable choice, resistant to tampering and providing unwaveringly authentic results, crucial for environments with stringent drug policies.
Convenient Testing Centers: With a vast network of nationwide testing centers, including Vail, IA, accessing hair follicle tests has never been easier. Quick, straightforward, and accessible testing is available, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule.
Local Presence: Our strategically located centers in Vail, IA, ensure that testing services are readily available, providing ease and convenience for individuals and organizations seeking effortless drug testing access.
Confidential Process: The hair follicle testing procedure in Vail, IA, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. Each step, from ordering to receiving results, prioritizes user privacy, ensuring a seamless and discreet experience.
Ease of Use: Customers appreciate the straightforward, confidential process for hair follicle testing, with a focus on privacy and ease, alleviating concerns and offering peace of mind.
Competitive Pricing: In Vail, IA, hair follicle testing offers an affordable solution, balancing cost-effectiveness with high-quality service. This pricing strategy provides exceptional value for companies of all sizes.
Quick Turnaround: Fast results are delivered without compromising accuracy, reinforcing the cost-effective nature of hair follicle testing. Vail, IA, businesses benefit from this rapid service, ensuring efficient decision-making.
Fast Results: In Vail, IA, hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and accurate results, distinguishing themselves with their precision. This ensures timely and reliable detection of substance use, assisting organizations in making informed decisions.
Precision and Speed: The accuracy of hair follicle testing is unmatched, effectively identifying drug usage. This method provides a dependable and swift assessment of an individual's history, crucial for maintaining policy compliance and safety.
Employer Compliance: In Vail, IA, hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This testing facilitates adherence to policies, reducing legal liabilities, and promoting a secure working environment, essential for peace of mind.
Enhancing Workplace Safety: Employers benefit from the assurance that workplace policies remain enforced, minimizing risks through reliable hair follicle testing, which supports a safe, compliant, and productive workspace.
