Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of emerging hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Securing a 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluation and corroboration. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen's weight with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When discussing head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key procedures in processing a laboratory drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the early processing of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, appoints a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a primary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for submission in court. Any samples appearing positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive during the Screening phase, further hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While typically termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Whittemore, IA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in many areas. Hair testing offers longer detection windows and ensures higher accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests reveal substance use over several months, making them a preferred method for employers. This comprehensive view aids in enforcing drug-free workplace policies.
For those in Whittemore, IA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This method allows employers to gain a deeper understanding of an individual's substance use history. By providing a more thorough overview, hair testing offers invaluable insights into an employee's past drug use, proving critical for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Whittemore, IA, employs a near-tamper-proof methodology, dramatically reducing the potential for sample manipulation. By design, hair testing provides reliable, indisputable results, ensuring the integrity of the testing process and removing doubts regarding the authenticity of the findings.
With numerous testing centers spread nationwide, including convenient locations in Whittemore, IA, accessing our hair follicle testing services is simple and hassle-free. Individuals and employers alike benefit from the ease and speed of our network, ensuring that drug testing doesn't disrupt daily operations.
In Whittemore, IA, the process of obtaining and reviewing hair follicle test results is straightforward and discreet. From ordering the test to the collection phase and receiving results, confidentiality is prioritized. This approach alleviates privacy concerns and streamlines the testing experience for all involved.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Whittemore, IA, provide exceptional value. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from our cost-effective solutions, ensuring financial feasibility without compromising on quality or speed of results.
In Whittemore, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision. These tests deliver fast and accurate results, playing a crucial role in detecting substance use with unparalleled accuracy. Hair testing technology ensures results that companies and individuals can rely on, providing peace of mind with every test conducted.
Employers in Whittemore, IA, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing in maintaining drug-free workplaces. This method supports compliance with safety regulations and reduces legal liabilities. By choosing hair testing, companies foster a safer work environment and bolster their commitment to employee well-being.
