Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by encasing biomarkers within its strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 strands of hair (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t present, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This entails ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any specimens suspected positive in Screening do require secondary verification.
If a specimen is suspected positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents a more challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any suspected positive outcome from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Within Chariton, IA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine testing. Accuracy and reliability stand out, as hair testing can detect drug use over a long duration. Urine tests present a limited detection window, whereas hair tests offer a comprehensive view of substance use history.
The extended detection period of hair follicle testing makes it a superior option in Chariton, IA, allowing employers to analyze up to 90 days of substance use history. This duration eclipses that of urine tests, which can't compete with hair testing's long-term efficiency.
In Chariton, IA, hair follicle tests are a robust solution against sample adulteration. Their design reduces tampering risks, delivering credible and indisputable results essential for accurate drug detection.
Accredited Drug Testing simplifies access with numerous centers across Chariton, IA and beyond. Whether local or nationwide, finding a convenient location to undertake tests is hassle-free, ensuring efficient and quick substance evaluations.
The hair follicle testing procedure in Chariton, IA promises convenience and discretion. It guarantees confidentiality throughout ordering, testing, and receiving results, alleviating privacy concerns with its seamless process.
Our hair follicle testing in Chariton, IA boasts competitive pricing coupled with swift turnaround, offering exceptional value. Companies can enjoy substantial cost savings while receiving reliable, quick insights into drug use.
Hair follicle tests in Chariton, IA provide rapid, precise, and dependable outcomes, distinguishing them as the preferred choice for accurate drug detection. The meticulous hair analysis process ensures an elevated level of accuracy, swiftly detecting substances compared to other methods.
Employers in Chariton, IA find assurance with hair follicle testing, reinforcing compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This not only showcases their commitment to safety but also reduces potential legal liabilities arising from drug use.
