Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a valuable instrument for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and substances by capturing biomarkers within the developing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unmatched, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When addressing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair alludes to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This encompasses confirming that the sample was sealed and transported properly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary prompt check for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample registers as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Popejoy, IA Hair testing surpasses conventional urine tests due to its heightened detection accuracy and reliability. Urine tests cover a shorter duration, providing limited insights. In contrast, hair tests examine substance use over an extensive timeframe. Their resistance to tampering and higher sensitivity rates make them a preferable choice for those requiring precise, long-term data on user habits, ensuring a comprehensive assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Popejoy, IA One of the hair follicle test's greatest strengths is its elongated detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This offers employers an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance patterns and history. Such prolonged detection periods are invaluable for those needing a broader picture of drug use, capturing consumption cycles effectively and outlining comprehensive behavioral patterns, thus supporting informed decision-making procedures and actions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Popejoy, IA Hair follicle tests substantially lower the risk of adulterated samples, ensuring results remain uncontaminated and trustworthy. The method's integrity assures stakeholders of reliable outcomes, unhindered by external interferences. This characteristic enhances its credibility, making it a favored method for those needing authenticity and irrefutable evidence in drug testing processes, bolstering confidence in the test findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Popejoy, IA Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide offers seamless access to testing services anywhere. Local availability in Popejoy, IA, eliminates hassle and simplifies the process. Such accessibility ensures quick and efficient service delivery, allowing individuals and companies to adhere to timely testing requirements. Our broad presence guarantees easy reach and compliance with minimal disruptions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Popejoy, IA Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward, prioritizing user confidentiality. From ordering to result receipt, we ensure that privacy concerns are addressed. The process's simplicity ensures ease of use, maintaining confidentiality throughout, reinforcing trust among users. This approach is particularly important for individuals and organizations keen on preserving sensitive data while accessing necessary testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Popejoy, IA We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle tests, complementing the fast turnaround times. Our pricing strategy positions us as affordable without compromising on result quality or speed. Businesses of varying sizes benefit from our economical approach, ensuring high-quality testing remains accessible and valuable, maintaining industry standards while providing companies peace of mind with rapid results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Popejoy, IA Hair follicle drug tests offer swift, precise detection of drugs, delivering trustworthy outcomes quickly. The method's high accuracy in capturing substance usage includes a meticulous collection process, ensuring consistency. Results generated are dependable and aid in making prompt, evidence-based decisions. Professionals seeking rapid veracity gravitate towards hair testing as it meets their stringent criteria and timelines efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Popejoy, IA Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to workplace drug-free policies, significantly lowering legal implications. It bolsters internal safety measures by offering peace of mind regarding compliance. Businesses employing this testing method mitigate risks, assuring adherence to regulations, creating a safer environment while upholding strict enforcement policies on substance use within professional settings.
