Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Widely considered an effective method, hair testing is valuable for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair strands embed biomarkers inside their fibers, making them capable of revealing a prolonged history of substance use. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they offer a detection timeline of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, it's reasonably resistant to tampering, and is simple to send off for analysis.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands, akin to the girth of a #2 pencil, gathered closest to the scalp, can yield 100mg of hair—setting the perfect benchmark for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, special add-ons, or tests that exceed ten panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's ideal to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can suffice. Discussions of head hair specifically designate scalp hair; however, body hair refers to all other varieties, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning relates to the initial stages of integrating a sample into a laboratory system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and sent, attributes a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carries out any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening carries out a preliminary assessment for substances of misuse. It provides a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage for most samples; however, legal admissibility requires that positive screenings undergo confirmation. Samples flagged positive in Screening subsequently need a confirmatory test.
Should a sample yield a positive indication at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at a more diminutive concentration than observed in other methods (for instance, urine or oral fluid), making it a notably challenging methodology.
Positive results from the screening necessitate Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to verification as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory progression from Accessioning through to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
When choosing between hair follicle and urine tests in Matlock, IA, hair tests offer unique advantages. The superior detection accuracy stems from the extended period over which drugs can be identified. Unlike urine tests with shorter windows, hair testing provides a more comprehensive overview.
Unmatched Reliability
Hair tests minimize the risks of fraudulent outcomes as they capture a longer history of substance use, allowing for a truely reliable assessment that traditional urine tests sometimes fail to offer.
The beauty of hair follicle testing in Matlock, IA, lies in its expansive detection window, providing insights into drug usage dating back up to 90 days. This appeals particularly to employers seeking a thorough review of an individual's substance use history.
Broad Perspective
Through hair testing, employers can assess patterns of behavior in a way short-term methods like urine tests cannot, making it an invaluable tool for a broader historical perspective on substance use.
One main advantage of hair follicle testing in Matlock, IA, is the decreased risk of sample tampering. This method offers undeniable reliability, as it’s considerably harder to adulterate compared to other testing methods.
Secure and Trustworthy
The collection process is observed, leaving minimal room for manipulation or deception. This guarantees that the results reflect true histories without the concern of tampering.
Whether your company's needs are local in Matlock, IA, or spread across states, our widespread testing locations make drug screening easily accessible. Our facilities are conveniently placed for minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
Nationwide Reach
Accredited Drug Testing proudly offers diverse locations to ensure services are never far from reach. This nationwide availability simplifies the testing process, ensuring quick and straightforward access everywhere.
In Matlock, IA, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the hair follicle testing process for peace of mind. Our hassle-free approach ensures straightforward ordering, administering, and receiving results in a confidential manner.
Privacy First
Addressing privacy concerns head-on, our services protect client confidentiality vigorously while delivering accurate results swiftly, allowing users to have confidence in both the process and its outcomes.
Competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Matlock, IA, an excellent option for businesses. Cost-effective measures meet the needs of companies, irrespective of their size, without breaking the bank.
Value for Money
Our affordable services do not compromise on quality or speed, letting businesses reap the benefits of top-notch testing alongside swift results, supporting efficient and strategic decision-making.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing in Matlock, IA, stand out against other methods. With a meticulous procedure, these tests offer high accuracy in detecting various substances. This reliability ensures any substance use doesn’t go undetected, providing employers with confidence in their testing processes.
Rapid Results
Our centers deliver quick turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy. In Matlock, IA, this is vital for fast-paced environments, ensuring results are returned promptly to aid timely decision making.
Employers in Matlock, IA, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its ability to ensure compliance with stringent drug-free workplace mandates. This testing method reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety measures within the work environment.
Legal Safety Net
By implementing hair testing, companies can maintain a safer, more secure workspace, better equipped to handle any related legal issues that might arise from drug use policies.