Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an efficient means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair captures long-term history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 strands near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing step where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen should be confirmed to be valid in court. Samples suspected to be positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For presumptive positives in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the toughest methodologies to carry out.
Confirmatory testing of positive screens is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed prior to confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often known as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Viola, IA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its key benefit is the extended detection window, allowing employers to identify drug use over the past 90 days, unlike the shorter period for urine tests. This method ensures higher confidence in the results, serving as a more trustworthy option for businesses and legal systems. Choose hair testing for unbeatable reliability and comprehensive detection.
Hair follicle testing in Viola, IA, offers a much-extended detection window of up to 90 days, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional tests. This extended period gives employers a more detailed overview of an individual’s drug history, aiding in making informed decisions. With such comprehensive insight, businesses can maintain a safer and drug-free work environment, safeguarding their operations and workforce effectively.
In Viola, IA, hair follicle tests are lauded for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This method’s robustness ensures that the results are both reliable and unquestionable. For employers, this means obtaining valid and credible information on an employee’s or applicant's drug use history. The integrity of these tests stands unmatched, providing peace of mind with each assessment.
For those in Viola, IA, and beyond, the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing’s network of nationwide centers makes accessing testing services hassle-free. Local and accessible, these centers ensure quick, straightforward testing processes. Employers and individuals benefit from the widespread location availability, making it simple and easy to schedule and complete necessary drug tests, whether nearby or across the country.
In Viola, IA, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. This ensures that individuals can complete tests without privacy concerns. The emphasis on a straightforward process helps ease any anxieties related to drug testing. Clients can rest assured that their information remains private, while the procedures are all handled with utmost confidentiality and efficiency.
Accredited Drug Testing in Viola, IA, prides itself on offering competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times. This combination provides companies with great value for their investment while ensuring efficient processes. The affordability of our services makes it easy for businesses of all sizes to incorporate hair testing into their standard operations, ensuring they get the best results without stretching their budgets.
In Viola, IA, hair follicle drug tests shine with their speed and unmatched precision in detecting substance use. Compared to other methods, they stand out due to their high accuracy. For individuals and employers alike, this means getting fast, reliable results with less stress and more confidence in the outcomes. In the realm of drug testing, quick and accurate results are paramount, and hair testing delivers exceptionally in meeting this demand.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Viola, IA, assists employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces potential legal liabilities by ensuring a safer working environment. For businesses aiming to uphold strict safety standards, hair testing reinforces their commitment to a drug-free workplace, offering peace of mind and aligning with industry regulations effectively and efficiently.
