Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When mentioning head hair, we imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid test for substances of misuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legal in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is undertaken via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Harcourt, IA, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests by offering a broader detection window and superior reliability. While urine tests can only detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a clearer, long-term picture of an individual's substance use habits.
Employers prefer hair tests due to their accuracy and resistance to tampering, resulting in a dependable means of enforcing policies.
Hair follicle testing in Harcourt, IA, is known for its extended detection window, examining drug use up to 90 days prior. This broad scope gives employers a substantial historical insight into an employee's or applicant's substance use, crucial for informed decision-making.
The ability to review a longer period ensures a comprehensive understanding of ongoing habits.
In Harcourt, IA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution to drug testing, greatly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. The process yields reliable results, allowing employers to trust the outcomes confidently.
Cheating on hair tests is remarkably challenging compared to urine tests, making them the gold standard in truthful drug testing.
Discover a vast network of testing centers across Harcourt, IA, delivering convenience with our nationwide footprint. Accessing hair follicle testing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free, no matter where you are located.
Take advantage of our easily accessible local and national locations for seamless testing experiences.
Simplicity, confidentiality, and ease define the hair follicle testing process in Harcourt, IA. From ordering to results, the process remains simple and private, prioritizing user comfort and discretion.
Our streamlined approach ensures that taking a test and receiving your results is as straightforward as it is confidential.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround define our hair follicle testing services in Harcourt, IA. We provide excellent value without compromising quality, making our services accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Investing in our fast and reasonably priced testing options offers peace of mind, delivering reliable results when you need them.
The precision of hair follicle testing in Harcourt, IA, is unmatched, providing fast and accurate results. The ability of these tests to reliably detect past drug use offers employers a clear and dependable assessment of substance history.
Quick turnaround times coupled with high accuracy make hair follicle tests an invaluable tool in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Employers in Harcourt, IA, seeking compliance with drug-free policies can rely on hair follicle testing to achieve peace of mind. These tests ensure adherence to regulations, reduce legal risks, and reinforce a safe workplace environment.
Employing reliable hair tests diminishes potential liabilities and promotes a culture of responsibility.
