Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Adel, IA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair preserves a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and various drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer around a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to acquire, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields around 100mg—the ideal amount for initial tests and confirmatory procedures. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the material using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair might be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary stages in laboratory processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the preliminary step of incorporating a sample into a lab's framework. This phase includes confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive outcome needs confirmation to be considered valid in legal proceedings. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

If a specimen shows presumptive positivity in the Screening step, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Any positive Screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug evaluations can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Hard to circumvent: Cheating a hair drug test is quite difficult, which enhances result accuracy.
• Shows usage history: It can illustrate a pattern of substance use over time, not just recent instances.

Drawbacks:

• Cannot spot recent use: It takes about 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair testing tends to be pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Adel, IA

• Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy.
• The reliability of hair testing gives employers confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
• With its enhanced precision, hair testing mitigates the risks of false negatives often found in urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Adel, IA

• Hair follicle testing allows for a drug use detection window of up to 90 days.
• This extended period offers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance habits.
• Such comprehensive insights are invaluable for employers assessing potential or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Adel, IA

• Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risks associated with sample adulteration.
• The integrity of the collected samples remains intact, providing unquestionable results.
• This assurance is crucial for organizations aiming to maintain fair and accurate testing protocols.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Adel, IA

• Our extensive network of testing centers offers convenient access nationwide.
• This availability ensures a hassle-free testing process for both individuals and organizations.
• Local centers in Adel, IA, further simplify accessibility for residents seeking quick testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Adel, IA

• The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and secure.
• Steps are designed to address privacy concerns, emphasizing discretion and ease of use.
• Customers can trust in the confidentiality of their testing procedures and outcomes.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Adel, IA

• Our competitive pricing ensures that high-quality testing is accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Quick turnaround times guarantee rapid results, adding value to our services.
• This combination of cost-efficiency and promptness offers peace of mind to organizations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Adel, IA

• Hair follicle drug testing delivers results with remarkable speed and precision.
• Its accuracy in detecting various substances offers trust and reliability for users.
• This method is particularly beneficial for those in need of quick and dependable testing outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Adel, IA

• Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free regulations.
• This compliance reduces legal risks while simultaneously supporting a safer working environment.
• Employers benefit from the reliable results that hair testing consistently provides.

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