Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Samples taken close to the scalp can detect drug and alcohol use for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment, close to 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil), from near the scalp, offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10 types, 150mg of hair is suggested. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of integrating a sample into a lab’s operations. This process involves ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment were adequate, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry required that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be valid in judicial proceedings. Any sample preliminarily positive in Screening requires further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to undertake.
Confirmation of any screened positive result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superiority of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Audubon, IA:
The sensitive nature of hair testing surpasses traditional urine testing by detecting substances over a lengthier period. With hair tests generally covering up to 90 days and urine tests focusing on more recent use, the former proves advantageous.
Such accuracy makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers in Audubon, IA, ensuring reliability and diminishing the chances of adulteration or cheating, a concern commonly associated with urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Audubon, IA:
Hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection window, revealing drug use history up to 90 days. This broad timeframe allows employers to comprehensively assess a candidate's or employee's substance history, providing a clearer, longer-term picture.
This prolonged window is an invaluable tool for decision-makers, offering critical insights into potential or ongoing issues, fostering informed choices regarding employment and compliance with policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Audubon, IA:
Hair follicle testing significantly limits opportunities for tampering, offering secure and incontestable results. The method's design inherently reduces sample adulteration risks that can plague other testing methods like urine tests.
Employers can rely on the robustness of these tests to maintain integrity, ensure compliance, and sustain a drug-free workplace, fostering trust in the results provided.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Audubon, IA:
Enjoy the convenience of extensive testing locations, including those in Audubon, IA, facilitating easy access to services. With our broad network, scheduling tests and obtaining results is hassle-free.
Our nationwide testing centers ensure quick and effective service, strengthening our capability to meet your needs, wherever you are, guaranteeing optimal user experience.
Ensuring a Simple and Confidential Process in Audubon, IA:
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure remains streamlined and confidential.
Individuals in Audubon, IA, can take advantage of this seamless approach, ensuring ease of use without compromising on confidentiality or efficiency.
Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Audubon, IA:
Our pricing structure remains competitive, designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes, matched with swift turnaround times to ensure fast access to results.
This offers significant value, giving you the cost-efficiency and rapid service needed to maintain operational smoothness and peace of mind in addressing substance use concerns.
Fast and Accurate Results in Audubon, IA:
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and reliable results, offering high precision in detecting substance use. With advanced testing methods, individuals and organizations gain confidence in the accuracy.
Multiple substances can be detected, giving a clear overview of an individual's history. The quick processing of tests ensures timely insights, making hair follicle testing a top choice for those in need of fast and accurate detection.
Enhancing Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Audubon, IA:
Adopting hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies efficiently. This testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, ensuring a robust compliance framework.
By confidently enforcing a zero-tolerance drug policy, businesses can establish a secure and productive environment, ultimately contributing to an employer's peace of mind.
