Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to obtain, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (approximating a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The steps involved in laboratory assessment of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample within a lab's system. This process checks that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data recording not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While screening is a budget-friendly approach for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal validity. Any samples with a presumptive positive outcome in the screening phase require further confirmation.
On encountering a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening more challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Parkersburg, IA
When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers heightened detection accuracy and reliability. The capability to uncover substance usage over a longer period gives it an edge, ensuring fewer false negatives and comprehensive history checks.
Urine tests, while more common, are limited by shorter detection windows. Hair tests provide an extra layer by identifying usage up to 90 days, offering a broader picture for making informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Parkersburg, IA
The remarkable advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days prior, this method gives employers an expanded view into an individual's substance history.
This elongated detection period provides employers in Parkersburg a valuable resource. By looking back several months, organizations gain insight into long-term substance exposure, ensuring thoughtful hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Parkersburg, IA
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the risk of sample adulteration. By collecting samples in an observed setting, this method ensures reliability, delivering results that are beyond reproach.
In Parkersburg, the integrity of results is paramount. Hair testing offers a tamper-proof scheme that assures clients of the authenticity and genuineness of the sample handled, removing doubt in drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Parkersburg, IA
Accredited Drug Testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, providing effortless access to testing services. In Parkersburg, local testing facilities ensure that the process is quick, straightforward, and hassle-free.
For residents and businesses alike, the ability to access testing services with ease is crucial. Our Parkersburg facilities ensure that individuals aren't inconvenienced by distance, reaffirming our commitment to accessibility.
Simple, Confidential Process in Parkersburg, IA
Our hair follicle testing ensures a streamlined and private experience. From order to result, the process is designed with confidentiality in mind, addressing privacy concerns efficiently.
Customers in Parkersburg can trust that our services protect personal information at every step. Simplicity in ordering, taking tests, and receiving results underscores our commitment to client privacy and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Parkersburg, IA
Competitive pricing alongside rapid result delivery defines our service in Parkersburg. We aim to provide exceptional value and rapid processing to cater to businesses of various sizes.
Our strategy combines affordability with efficiency, ensuring that companies receive valuable drug testing services without unnecessary delays, empowering them with actionable insights in a timely manner.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Parkersburg, IA
For those requiring precise and expedited results, hair follicle drug tests stand out. These tests offer highly accurate detection of substances, setting a benchmark for reliability. Parkersburg residents can trust the swift yet comprehensive results that hair testing provides.
With hair follicle testing, accuracy is supreme. Unlike other methodologies, these tests pick up even minute traces of substance, ensuring that results are consistent and trustworthy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Parkersburg, IA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and strengthens workplace safety, fostering a secure environment.
Peace of mind is an invaluable asset for Parkersburg's employers. With hair testing, companies can be confident that their workforce adheres to substance regulations, aligning with organizational values and objectives.
