Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a record of alcohol and drug intake through trapping biomarkers within the fiber of the hair strands as they grow. By collecting samples near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs stretching to roughly three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For tests like EtG, extras, or beyond 10-panel screenings, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair not be an option, an equivalent amount of body hair is a permissible alternative. Head hair references apply to scalp hair specifically, while body hair includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into the laboratory’s workflow. This phase covers verifying the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a swift initial assessment to identify drugs of abuse. While this step is an economical approach to initially rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be affirmed to hold up in a legal context. Samples that screen positive provisionally will require a subsequent confirmation step.
In cases where Screening yields a presumptive positive, further hair is retrieved from the initial sample for the Extraction process. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Any samples returning as presumptive positives undergo washes prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests," these tests specifically analyze the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in North Washington, IA, offering superior detection and reliability. While traditional urine tests serve a purpose, hair analyses provide a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history. Businesses and institutions seeking long-term detection accuracy find hair testing an invaluable tool in maintaining secure environments.
In North Washington, IA, hair follicle testing grants insights into drug usage over an extensive 90-day period. This comprehensive detection span is invaluable for employers searching for a detailed understanding of an applicant's or employee's history, aiding informed hiring and management decisions.
With the risk of sample tampering reduced significantly, hair follicle tests in North Washington, IA offer a reliable testing method. Ensuring results remain unquestionable and secure is a central benefit, promoting trust in the process and the certainty of outcomes.
Testing convenience in North Washington, IA is bolstered by our extensive network of nationwide centers. These local facilities guarantee accessible, seamless testing experiences, ensuring requirements are met promptly and efficiently.
The process in North Washington, IA for obtaining and performing hair follicle tests is simple and confidential. We emphasize privacy while making it easy to order, complete, and receive results, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing services in North Washington, IA ensure excellent value along with quick turnaround times. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions while maintaining peace of mind.
In North Washington, IA, hair follicle drug testing is known for its fast, accurate, and dependable results. These tests boast high precision in identifying substance use, ensuring reliability in findings. When timely and trustworthy outcomes are paramount, hair follicle testing stands as an unparalleled option for both individuals and organizations.
For employers in North Washington, IA, hair follicle testing helps assure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance strengthens safety measures and minimizes legal liabilities, granting peace of mind to business owners and management alike.
