Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering an extended timeline of alcohol and other substances. When taken near the scalp, hair provides a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
To obtain an optimal sample for analysis, a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg, ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing is advised. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Reference to head hair strictly pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initial sample handling within a laboratory's system, confirming proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for substance misuse. While cost-effective for discounting drug usage in most samples, a positive screen warrants confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumpively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Westwood, IA, hair testing outshines traditional urine tests in various ways. The superior detection accuracy allows better identification of extensive substance use. Contrastingly, while urine tests may catch recent usage, hair tests afford a broader view, displaying substance patterns over weeks or months, eradicating many shortcomings of urine-based testing.
Hair follicle testing in Westwood, IA, is revelatory with its prolonged detection window of up to 90 days. This method offers employers a detailed understanding of an individual’s history of substance use, far beyond what is possible with shorter-term urine tests, thus aiding in comprehensive employee assessments.
The hair follicle test in Westwood, IA, boasts a tamper-resistant procedure. This method significantly reduces risks of sample tampering and produces definitive and trustworthy results, countering many ways through which urine tests could be manipulated by test-takers seeking to alter outcomes.
Westwood, IA residents and those nationwide benefit from our wide network of testing centers, offering convenient access to drug testing services. This extensive reach ensures hassle-free and quick testing capabilities, accommodating various geographical needs without delay.
The process in Westwood, IA, for hair drug tests is straightforward and private. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity, addressing concerns effectively and providing a comfortable experience for all clients involved.
In Westwood, IA, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing paired with fast turnaround times. Companies of all sizes can appreciate the excellent value we provide, making drug testing accessible and budget-friendly while delivering timely and accurate results.
In Westwood, IA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise results. Their accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, offering dependable and prompt feedback to meet the demands of both employers and individuals. This meticulous process ensures that no detail is overlooked, making it a trusted method for screening.
Employers in Westwood, IA, find peace with hair follicle testing, as it aligns with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance not only reduces legal issues but also fosters a safer working environment, ultimately supporting the company’s safety and ethical standards across various operational levels.
