Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its burgeoning strands. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core components involved in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s infrastructure. Tasks include confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening serves as a budget-friendly means to eliminate drug use in most samples, yet a conclusive screen is necessary for courtroom acceptance. Samples that test positively in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If Screening deems a sample presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much diminished concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the challenges of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and in conformity with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the scalp’s follicle.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests for those seeking comprehensive drug screening in Yorktown, IA. Its superior detection accuracy makes it a preferable choice for many situations.
Comparison with Urine Tests
Unlike urine tests, which only track recent drug use, hair testing can detect substances over a longer window. This reliability and accuracy make it the favored option for employers requiring stringent screening measures.
One of the primary benefits of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection window, making it a powerful tool in Yorktown, IA, for understanding an individual's substance history.
90-Day Detection Period
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle analysis can uncover drug use extending back up to 90 days. This long timeframe offers employers a comprehensive insight into past behavior, aiding informed decision-making processes.
Yorktown, IA, leverages hair follicle testing for its substantial ability to thwart attempts at adulteration. This method ensures the integrity of results, offering confidence in their accuracy.
Reliability Through Tamper Resistance
Employing a collection method that is nearly impossible to cheat, hair tests provide assured reliability. The challenges in altering hair samples make this method robust against tampering, securing trustworthy outcomes for employers.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience for those in Yorktown, IA, through their extensive network of testing centers nationwide. Accessibility is straightforward and hassle-free.
Widespread Availability
With centers located across various cities, including Yorktown, the process remains hassle-free and quick, offering clients effortless access to necessary testing services.
Hair follicle drug testing in Yorktown, IA, is both a straightforward and discreet process, catering to concerns regarding privacy and ease.
Confidentiality and Simplicity
From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is designed to ensure confidentiality. Clients can appreciate a seamless experience, prioritizing their ease and peace of mind.
Affordable pricing and swift outcomes define the hair follicle drug testing services in Yorktown, IA, providing excellent value for businesses.
Cost-Efficiency
Competitive prices combined with rapid turnaround times make this testing both affordable and efficient, further appealing to companies of various sizes through cost-effective solutions and timely results.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug testing make it an invaluable tool for employers in Yorktown, IA. By analyzing samples for substance use with precision, this method offers results that are both fast and reliable.
Speed of Results
Hair follicle testing not only detects substance use accurately but also provides fast results. With quick turnaround times, employers can make timely decisions based on the detailed reports received.
Employers in Yorktown, IA, gain peace of mind through the use of hair follicle testing, ensuring their workplaces remain compliant with essential drug-free policies.
Employers' Assurance
The adoption of hair analysis to enforce drug-free environments minimizes legal risks and enhances safety. This supportive approach aligns with maintaining a secure and productive workplace atmosphere.
