Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of intake by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to a 90-day detection period for substances. It's straightforward to obtain, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair—optimal for testing and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional parameters, or those exceeding ten panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest verifying the specimen’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a specimen into the laboratory’s workflow. This phase ensures the integrity of the sample’s sealing and shipping, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any supplementary data acquisition not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use for most samples, a favorable screen result necessitates affirmation for legal acceptability. Samples deemed presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
For specimens that yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. Drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), attributing to the complexity of hair drug testing procedures.
Affirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All specimens indicated as presumptive positive are cleansed before Confirmation as applicable. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined adhering to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand, not the scalp-located hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kimballton, IA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its superior detection range and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a longer detection window, ensuring a thorough evaluation of substance use over time. This accuracy renders hair testing a favorable option for employers and other stakeholders in Kimballton.
Extended Detection Window in Kimballton, IA
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection period, tracing drug use up to 90 days retrospectively. This comprehensive window provides employers insight into an individual's substance use history, forming a more complete picture of their behavioral patterns and aiding informed hiring or management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kimballton, IA
The hair follicle testing approach substantially diminishes the risk of test tampering or sample adulteration. Its design ensures that the test results are trustworthy and unquestionable, offering an extra layer of confidence to employers who enforce strict drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kimballton, IA
Our widespread network of testing centers facilitates easy access to testing services. From Kimballton to other regions, these centers provide quick, effortless, and stress-free involvement in the testing process, adding convenience and reliability to our offerings.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kimballton, IA
Our straightforward process for ordering, administering, and receiving results prioritizes privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured knowing their testing experience in Kimballton is both confidential and user-friendly, addressing any concerns they may have about the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kimballton, IA
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with quick turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This approach provides reassurance to companies, enabling them to access reliable testing services without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kimballton, IA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise outcomes. The process ensures high detection accuracy, capturing a wide range of substances and offering credible evidence for substance use. Their speed in yielding results makes them a preferred choice for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kimballton, IA
Employing hair follicle tests fosters adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal liabilities. By ensuring rigorous compliance, these tests help maintain workplace safety and order, granting employers peace of mind in managing their workforce efficiently.
