Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab process for processing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, which involves incorporating the sample into a laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the integrity and proper shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that isn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Any samples presumed positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is presumed positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Woodward, IA
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage over traditional urine tests. With its superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing makes it easier to identify drug use patterns over a more extended period compared to urine testing, which may miss longer-term drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Woodward, IA
Hair follicle testing's long detection window is advantageous, as it can track drug use up to 90 days back. This feature gives employers a detailed view of a prospective or current employee's substance use history, ensuring informed decision-making in hiring and management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Woodward, IA
The nature of hair follicle tests greatly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring results are reliable and unquestionable. This robustness makes it a trustworthy option for those concerned about the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Woodward, IA
With comprehensive nationwide testing centers, obtaining a hair follicle test is swift and straightforward. These centers offer convenient, worry-free access to testing services, whether locally in Woodward or across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Woodward, IA
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is simple and confidential. This ease and privacy reassurance address client concerns effectively, fostering trust in the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Woodward, IA
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide excellent value and peace of mind for companies of all sizes, making it feasible for more organizations to implement comprehensive drug testing protocols.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Woodward, IA
Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, accurate, and reliable results, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use. Their high precision ensures that users can trust the findings, minimizing errors and providing a clear understanding of a person's drug use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Woodward, IA
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing due to its ability to ensure adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety. It gives peace of mind knowing that their compliance measures are reliable.
