Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The application of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When collected near the scalp, it offers a detection window of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the specimen. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" here specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
In the laboratory analysis of a drug test result, the primary steps include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Though Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to rule out drug use for most samples, a court-admissible outcome necessitates confirmation of any positive screen. Consequently, samples with presumptive positive results from Screening required a second confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted and prepared for the Extraction phase. During this process, drugs are isolated at significantly lower concentrations from hair compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of hair drug screening.
Confirmation involves verifying any positive screening result through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive undergo a washing step before confirmation, as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Winfield, IA
Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy against traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which only reveal recent drug use, hair follicle testing explores longer periods, providing reliability and thoroughness. This makes it exceptional for employees or applicants who prioritize consistency in substance use screening.
Extended Detection Window in Winfield, IA
With the ability to identify drug usage up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period. This extensive window gives employers a clearer understanding of an employee's or candidate's substance history, helping them make data-driven decisions and maintaining workplace integrity in Winfield, IA.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Winfield, IA
Hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against sample tampering, ensuring that results remain unquestionable. This method's tamper-resistant nature in Winfield, IA upholds test integrity, comforting employers with the reliability needed to enforce a truly drug-free environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Winfield, IA
Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive access to nationwide testing centers, simplifying the process for residents in Winfield, IA. This promises ease and swift scheduling, liberating clients from the inconvenience traditionally associated with accessing testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Winfield, IA
The process for ordering, conducting, and retrieving hair follicle test results is seamless and confidential. In Winfield, IA, privacy is prioritized, ensuring peace of mind. The straightforward procedure alleviates concerns, encouraging more individuals and employers to engage confidently in this testing method.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Winfield, IA
Our hair testing solutions are competitively priced, paired with swift turnaround times. This combination offers exceptional value to businesses of all scales, ensuring peace of mind and fiscal efficiency. Organizations in Winfield, IA benefit from strategic pricing that respects budgetary constraints.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Winfield, IA
Hair follicle drug testing is known for rapid and precise outcomes, pinpointing substance use with excellent accuracy. In Winfield, IA, individuals and employers can benefit from its timely results, ensuring informed decision-making while maintaining confidentiality. These cutting-edge tests reflect rigorous scientific standards.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Winfield, IA
Opting for hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal consequences and fostering a safety-focused environment. This offers employers peace of mind, knowing they've established compliant and responsible drug testing protocols.
