Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When harvested close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period extending up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands of hair (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screenings must be confirmed to be legally accepted. Any samples that are initially deemed positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is initially positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair Follicle Testing vs. Urine Testing in Ida Grove, IA highlights why hair testing is superior. Hair testing offers a larger detection window and prevents manipulation, unlike traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection in Ida Grove, IA is a key benefit of hair follicle testing. This method detects drug use up to 90 days back, providing a more comprehensive picture of an individual's history.
Employers benefit from better decision-making, thanks to the longer historical perspective offered by hair follicle testing results.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Ida Grove, IA is assured through hair follicle testing. This method significantly mitigates the risk of test tampering, offering trustworthy results.
With hair sample testing, sample adulteration becomes highly challenging, leading to more credible and reliable results.
Convenient Testing Facilities across the nation, including Ida Grove, IA, streamline drug testing processes. These centers provide fast, convenient access to testing services.
Clients benefit from our widespread coverage, ensuring testing services are within easy reach, creating a hassle-free experience.
Simple and Confidential processes ensure ease of use in Ida Grove, IA. Orderly, private processes for ordering, taking, and receiving results assure participants of privacy and simplicity.
Addressing privacy concerns is our priority, ensuring a seamless, user-friendly operation in delivering test results.
Affordability and Quick Turnaround in Ida Grove, IA highlight our commitment to competitive pricing and speedy results without compromising on quality.
Businesses of various sizes experience great value and assurance through our cost-efficient, rapid testing services.
Fast and Accurate Drug Testing in Ida Grove, IA, is realized with hair follicle testing. This method offers indisputable detection precision, delivering reliable results quickly.
The high accuracy rate of hair tests ensures substance use is efficiently identified, making them superior in ensuring that results are correct, providing peace of mind for businesses.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ida Grove, IA is key with hair follicle testing. Utilizing this method guarantees adherence to drug-free policies efficiently.
This form of testing not only diminishes legal risks but also boosts workplace safety, aligning with today's strict regulatory standards.