Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair, it offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use over time. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can potentially indicate substance usage over a span of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred quantity for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. Our term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample’s initial processing in a laboratory system, including proper sealing and shipment confirmation, random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) assignment, and completing any missing data entry from non-electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs of misuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples presumed positive require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from it and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair in much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate method to conduct.
For any presumptive positives, Confirmation is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are tentatively positive are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," these actually analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Washta, IA, outshines urine testing due to its longer detection window and greater accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analysis offers a superior ability to track substance use over an extended period, ensuring fewer chances of escaping detection and better compliance with drug policies.
In Washta, IA, the strength of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use dating back up to 90 days. This provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's history with substances, surpassing the brief window provided by urine testing, ensuring more informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Washta, IA, is a tamper-resistant method that significantly cuts down the chance of sample manipulation. This leads to reliable and trustworthy results, proving an essential tool for maintaining integrity in drug testing operations, without the same vulnerabilities encountered in urine testing protocols.
With convenient nationwide testing centers and local facilities in Washta, IA, accessing hair follicle testing is simple and hassle-free. Whether within the local area or across the country, these testing locations offer straightforward, quick, and efficient services, removing barriers to obtaining necessary tests.
The process in Washta, IA, for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, each step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, addressing confidentiality concerns seamlessly.
In Washta, IA, we offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This ensures excellent value for companies regardless of size, delivering prompt results without compromising on accuracy or budget, further enhancing operational efficiency.
In Washta, IA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, precise, and trustworthy results. Renowned for their exactitude, they effectively identify substance use, ensuring high reliability. This testing method is not only rapid but also thorough in its assessment, capturing evidence of drug consumption with remarkable detail.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind for employers in Washta, IA, hair follicle testing enforces workplace safety by adhering to drug-free policies. The robust nature of this method diminishes legal worries and bolsters security within the workforce, promoting a drug-free environment.
