Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a strong method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for producing a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing within a laboratory’s system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening need secondary confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted at a considerably lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug testing as among the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed per both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in Harlan, IA? The superior accuracy and reliability of hair testing are undeniable. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides a broader detection window, ensuring that even infrequent drug use doesn't go unnoticed. This accuracy is unmatched, offering a reliable assessment for workplaces and legal institutions.
Hair follicle testing in Harlan, IA, excels due to its ability to detect drug usage over extended periods, reaching up to 90 days. This facility enables employers to gain a more thorough insight into an individual’s substance use history, ensuring a more informed decision-making process.
Hair testing stands out in Harlan, IA, for its tamper-resistant qualities, effectively minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. This method derives reliable and unquestionable outcomes, elevating confidence in the test results' integrity and authenticity.
Our testing services are readily accessible in Harlan, IA, thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. This infrastructure ensures that undertaking the tests is seamless and convenient, providing quick and hassle-free experiences for all test subjects.
In Harlan, IA, the hair follicle testing process prides itself on simplicity and confidentiality, from order placement to test-taking and result reception. We prioritize privacy and ease, ensuring the entire experience is reassuringly discreet and straightforward for every user.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, our hair follicle services in Harlan, IA, deliver exceptional value. Whether for large or small enterprises, our clients value the peace of mind from our affordable, swift drug testing solutions, ensuring effective and budget-friendly practices.
In Harlan, IA, the precision of hair follicle tests shines with swift and trustworthy results, offering a high degree of accuracy in identifying substance use. Their efficiency in providing fast answers makes them an excellent choice for timely decisions in both professional and legal scenarios.
Employers in Harlan, IA, achieve greater compliance and assurance through hair follicle testing, guaranteeing adherence to drug-free policies. Not only does it mitigate legal liabilities, but it also significantly boosts safety and trust within the workplace environment.
