Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) next to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key four steps in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the preliminary inclusion of a sample into a lab’s system. This comprises verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples that are perhaps positive in Screening do require additional confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from the hair at a lower concentration than other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fredericksburg, IA
Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The hair test's longer detection period ensures more comprehensive monitoring, surpassing the urine test's timeframe, and providing superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Fredericksburg, IA
Employers benefit from hair testing’s ability to detect drug use over a 90-day period. This extended window offers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history, making it more comprehensive than other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fredericksburg, IA
Hair follicle testing is virtually tamper-proof, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The method delivers dependable results that employers can trust, making it an effective solution for maintaining integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fredericksburg, IA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures easy access to our services. Residents of Fredericksburg, IA, can conveniently utilize our local options for quick and accessible testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fredericksburg, IA
Our process is straightforward and confidential, from ordering to obtaining results. We prioritize privacy and ease of use, ensuring a seamless experience for clients seeking testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fredericksburg, IA
Offering competitive pricing with fast turnaround times, our services are cost-effective while maintaining quality. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our value-driven approach to drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fredericksburg, IA
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, giving an accurate reading of substance use history. They stand out for their reliability and speed, making them an ideal choice for those needing quick and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fredericksburg, IA
Using hair testing supports compliance with workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer environment. It provides peace of mind for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace.
