Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around 3 months for substances like alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, notably resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair means scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing drug test results within a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any further data input not present in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples with presumptive positive results require a subsequent confirmation.
If screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is less straightforward to execute.
Confirmation of any screening positives is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation when needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the scalp-embedded follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shannon City, IA
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. It stands out by providing a broader detection window and enhanced reliability. While urine tests can be manipulated, hair tests are virtually tamper-resistant, making them a more dependable choice for employers looking to enforce drug-free policies effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Shannon City, IA
Hair follicle testing provides an impressive detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period grants employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, providing a more detailed assessment than what traditional testing methods offer. It's an essential tool for ensuring a safe and productive workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shannon City, IA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and accurate results. The collected samples are difficult to manipulate, ensuring the integrity of the test. This tamper-resistant nature of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for various organizations serious about maintaining drug-free environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shannon City, IA
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers allows for quick and hassle-free access to testing services. With numerous locations, including those in Shannon City, IA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that no matter where you are, testing is a seamless and convenient process, perfect for individuals and companies of all sizes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shannon City, IA
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is designed to be simple and confidential. Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes privacy, ensuring that your sensitive information is always protected. The straightforward procedure addresses any concerns regarding ease of use, empowering individuals to undertake testing with confidence.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shannon City, IA
Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times provide exceptional value for companies of all sizes. The affordability and efficiency of our testing services help businesses maintain safe environments without straining their budgets. Fast results coupled with fair pricing are key factors in our client satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shannon City, IA
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing have made it a popular choice for detecting substance use with high accuracy. Hair tests can promptly identify a wide range of substances, offering quicker and more reliable results than many traditional testing methods. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for organizations and individuals who require fast and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shannon City, IA
Using hair follicle testing helps employers comply with workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks. This testing method contributes to enhanced workplace safety and provides employers peace of mind, knowing they've chosen a method with a low error rate and high accuracy in substance detection.
