Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair presents an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, serving as the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases in the laboratory handling of drug testing results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a test sample within a laboratory’s framework. It entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. All samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample indicates presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Packwood, IA, offers unparalleled benefits over urine tests. It boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Unlike traditional methods, hair testing identifies substance use over a broader timeframe.
Its enhanced precision makes it a prime choice for drug-free workplace assurance.
In Packwood, IA, hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window of up to 90 days.
This thorough insight into an individual's substance history aids employers in making informed decisions.
Hair testing's long-range detection far surpasses the limited window of urine tests.
Packwood, IA, benefits immensely from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests.
These tests drastically lower the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable outcomes.
The integrity of the test results remains intact, making them difficult to contest.
Packwood, IA, residents find convenience in our extensive network of testing centers nationwide.
Easy access to local and nationwide centers ensures a hassle-free testing experience.
Our testing services offer quick and straightforward access, enhancing user experience.
The process for hair follicle testing in Packwood, IA, is straightforward and confidential.
Ordering, testing, and result reception are designed to respect privacy and ease of use.
This approach addresses any concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Packwood, IA, enjoys competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in hair follicle testing.
This offers businesses of all sizes excellent value without compromising reliability.
Efficient service and affordability combine to provide peace of mind.
In Packwood, IA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and reliability. Their precision in detecting substances ensures fast, accurate results.
Employers and individuals benefit from prompt responses and high standards in substance use detection.
These tests stand out for their ability to consistently deliver precise results rapidly.
Employers in Packwood, IA, gain peace of mind using hair follicle tests to uphold drug-free policies.
This method aids in compliance, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety in workplaces.
Employers can confidently maintain a drug-free environment, fostering a secure workspace.
