Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Wapello, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. It provides a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves verifying that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening serves as a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although an economical way to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a particularly challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The full laboratory 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:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, while urine tests have a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It is very challenging to deceive a hair drug test, resulting in more accurate results.
• Offers historical data: It can reveal a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wapello, IA Hair testing offers an unparalleled detection ability when compared to traditional urine tests. Its advantages lie not just in accuracy but also in reliability, as hair samples present a more comprehensive detection period. Such superior detection mechanisms equip employers with better tools to ensure a drug-free workplace.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Wapello, IA One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers and practitioners with an in-depth understanding of an individual's history, enabling informed decisions regarding employment or interventions based on long-term substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wapello, IA Reducing the threat of sample tampering, hair follicle testing stands as a reliable and nearly impossible-to-alter method. This security ensures that the results are both trustworthy and definitive, thereby reinforcing the emphasis on authenticity and accuracy within the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wapello, IA Featuring an extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Wapello, scheduling a hair follicle test is fast and effortless. This convenience guarantees easy access to the necessary drug screening services without delays, facilitating a streamlined process for both individuals and organizations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Wapello, IA The process for hair follicle testing is designed with simplicity and confidentiality at its core. Users can efficiently order, complete the collection, and receive the results while maintaining privacy. This approach addresses privacy concerns, offering a user-friendly experience that prioritizes the participant’s ease and comfort.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wapello, IA Our testing services feature competitive pricing and swift results turnaround, delivering exceptional value for businesses of any size. These financial efficiencies ensure that organizations can maintain budget-friendly operations while obtaining rapid and precise drug testing outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wapello, IA Hair follicle drug tests in Wapello provide quick and trustworthy results. Their exceptional precision in detecting substance use ensures that employers receive the most accurate insights into an individual's drug habits. With these tests, quick detection meets unparalleled accuracy, offering a reliable diagnostic method for various needs.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wapello, IA By integrating hair follicle testing, businesses in Wapello can confidently adhere to drug-free policies. This action not only minimizes potential legal tussles but also boosts workplace safety, offering an atmosphere of certainty and well-being for both employees and employers alike.

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