Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term repository for these substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers. When collected close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screening result needs court-admissible confirmation. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Sheffield, IA, hair follicle tests offer an edge over traditional urine tests. Better detection accuracy means a credible analysis of substance use, reflecting a clearer picture of an individual's substance history.
While urine testing remains prevalent, the superior reliability of hair testing makes it a top choice for Sheffield employers, ensuring uncompromised results.
Extended Detection Window
One major advantage of hair follicle testing in Sheffield, IA is its extensive detection period—a span of up to 90 days. This comprehensive timeline provides employers with a thorough perspective on an applicant or employee's drug use habits.
By capturing long-term usage data, hair tests afford employers a robust review of substance habits, essential for informed decision-making in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Sheffield, IA, hair follicle drug tests present a robust safeguard against sample tampering, ensuring results are genuine and dependable.
Due to its method of collection, hair testing significantly minimizes adulteration risks, establishing a reliable testing environment and enhancing trust in the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Residents and employers in Sheffield, IA benefit from our extensive testing network. With nationwide centers, access to testing is hassle-free and efficient.
Our widespread local presence ensures that drug testing services are readily available, making the process quick and uncomplicated for everyone in Sheffield.
Simple, Confidential Process
At our Sheffield, IA locations, the ordering, execution, and outcomes of hair tests are straightforward and discreet, catering to privacy needs.
The entire procedure is designed to be user-friendly, maintaining confidentiality throughout, which is critical in ensuring the comfort and trust of our clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Sheffield, IA, our hair follicle testing solutions are competitively priced and efficiently delivered. Short turnaround times ensure client satisfaction.
We pride ourselves on providing excellent value for money, supporting companies of all sizes with accessible pricing and swift, reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Sheffield, IA, hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise results. This advanced method ensures high accuracy in assessing substance use, setting a benchmark for reliability unlike any other.
The precision of hair testing is due to its ability to capture long-term drug usage. The methodology prioritizes both speed and accuracy, quickly delivering results employers in Sheffield trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Hair follicle testing in Sheffield, IA is crucial for achieving compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal vulnerabilities and fostering a safer work environment.
Employers gain a peaceful assurance knowing this method adheres to stringent guidelines, bolstering workplace safety and policy adherence.
