Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has gained recognition as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We advocate for measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable quantity of body hair should be obtained. When we mention head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing for drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate most drug use cases, a positive screening result must be established to be valid in court settings. Samples indicating a presumptive positive result during Screening mandate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in alternate approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for why hair drug screening is the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Advantages Over Urine Testing
Hair testing in Defiance, IA, surpasses traditional urine tests by offering increased detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent substance use, hair tests provide a broader detection window, capturing a comprehensive look at up to 90 days of drug use. This extended period offers a crucial advantage for entities aiming for thorough and dependable analysis.
Understanding the Extended Detection Window
One of the primary benefits offered by hair follicle testing in Defiance, IA is its vast detection period of up to 90 days. For employers, this means obtaining a detailed account of an individual's substance use history. This extended window delivers more than just a glimpse into recent drug use, offering a valuable tool for making informed hiring or management decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant
Hair follicle tests, conducted in Defiance, IA, present an inherently secure method for drug testing. The robust nature of this testing dramatically reduces possibilities for tampering or sample adulteration, producing results that are both credible and difficult to contest. This assurance of sample integrity makes it a trustworthy method for businesses and legal entities alike.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide
Accredited Drug Testing offers numerous locations across the nation, including facilities in Defiance, IA. These widespread centers ensure that clients have quick and easy access to testing services, eliminating the inconvenience of long-distance travel, and allowing for stress-free, efficient scheduling for hair follicle tests.
A Simple, Confidential Process
In Defiance, IA, undergoing a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. The process is designed to be discreet, from order placement to sample collection to result delivery. Clients can expect comprehensive privacy safeguards, ensuring that every step respects individual confidentiality and reinforces a seamless testing experience.
Affordable and Efficient Solutions
Testing in Defiance, IA is both cost-effective and efficient, with competitive pricing structured to fit the needs of businesses of all sizes. This affordability is paired with swift turnaround times, providing excellent value that aids companies in maintaining drug-free environments without compromising budget constraints or time considerations.
Precision and Efficiency in Testing
In Defiance, IA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and accuracy. This method excels at identifying substance use with precision, ensuring that results are reliable and timely. Clients can trust that the analysis will reflect true substance consumption patterns, making it a choice that's preferred by many when quick, precise detection is necessary.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
With hair follicle testing in Defiance, IA, employers can effectively enforce drug-free policies, thus strengthening workplace safety and compliance. This test can help mitigate legal risks by confidently ensuring staff adherence to company policies, providing employers with peace of mind through reliable insights into their workforce's substance use history.
