Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a notable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory stage of incorporating a sample into the lab’s system, which involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. Although it offers a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that yield a presumptively positive result in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In Waukee, IA, hair follicle testing is superior to urine testing for several reasons. Hair tests offer better detection accuracy and reliability, as they cover a wider range of drugs and their usage over time.
While urine tests provide short-term detection, hair tests excel in their comprehensive findings. This makes them an invaluable tool in ensuring accurate assessments of an individual's substance history over the past 90 days.
Employers in Waukee, IA benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended detection window. These tests can identify drug use over a prolonged period, often up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
This extended detection window makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers seeking to evaluate an employee's long-term substance use patterns, ensuring a thorough and reliable assessment.
Hair follicle tests in Waukee, IA offer a robust solution to combat sample adulteration. These tests are tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample manipulation, thus providing reliable results.
The ability to deliver unquestionable results makes hair testing an ideal choice for ensuring the integrity and validity of drug testing processes, safeguarding the test outcomes against fraud.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenience with its nationwide network, including locations in Waukee, IA. Our centers ensure quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, streamlining the process.
The widespread presence of our centers guarantees that individuals seeking tests in Waukee and beyond can expect convenient access to reliable and efficient drug testing services, anytime, anywhere.
In Waukee, IA, Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential drug testing process. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are streamlined, addressing privacy concerns.
Our process ensures ease of use, making it accessible for individuals who require testing without compromising on confidentiality. Experience a stress-free and secure testing procedure with reliable outcomes.
Our competitive pricing strategies and fast turnaround times in Waukee, IA offer excellent value for companies of all sizes. We emphasize affordability and quick service in our drug testing offerings.
With an emphasis on providing affordable pricing, employers can efficiently meet their drug-free policies without incurring high costs, thus enjoying better value and peace of mind.
In Waukee, IA, hair follicle drug tests are revered for their swift and accurate results. Precision and speed define these tests, as they reliably identify substance use, offering a level of accuracy that ensures trust in drug testing outcomes.
These tests stand out in Waukee due to their efficiency. With high accuracy, they minimize errors, making them a dependable choice for those seeking precise substance detection methods.
In Waukee, IA, hair follicle testing assures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, giving employers peace of mind.
By implementing hair testing, employers can maintain policy compliance, ensuring that they effectively uphold their zero-tolerance drug use mandates, fostering a safer working environment.
