Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now viewed as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lengthy history of such usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, fairly challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 hairs (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When referring to head hair, it denotes scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a laboratory’s system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude the presence of drugs in most samples, a positive screening must be corroborated to be acceptable in a legal setting. Any presumptive positives detected in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. Within this phase, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening represents the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening find is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples showing presumptive positivity undergo required washing. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Spring Hill, IA
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests in Spring Hill, IA by offering superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides an extensive look into an individual's history, capturing drug use with heightened accuracy and reliability over time, making it a popular choice in many settings.
Extended Detection Window in Spring Hill, IA
In Spring Hill, IA, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, presenting employers with a detailed view of an individual's substance history. This comprehensive assessment makes hair testing invaluable, offering insights inaccessible with traditional testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Spring Hill, IA
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Spring Hill, IA lies in its robust tamper-resistant qualities. By significantly minimizing the chance of sample adulteration, hair tests ensure dependable and unquestionable results, providing greater assurance to those relying on its outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Spring Hill, IA
Access to testing services is seamless with our widespread network in Spring Hill, IA and beyond. Nationwide testing centers ensure quick, effortless access to necessary services, ultimately making the process hassle-free for all clients involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Spring Hill, IA
In Spring Hill, IA, undergoing a hair follicle test is both simple and discreet. From ordering to result reception, every step prioritizes privacy and easy usage, assuring all participants of a private and straightforward testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Spring Hill, IA
Our competitive pricing structures in Spring Hill, IA offer outstanding value, coupled with a swift turnaround time. Businesses of all sizes benefit from fast, reliable results, providing a balance of economy and efficiency in their testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Spring Hill, IA
In Spring Hill, IA, hair follicle drug tests deliver swift, precise outcomes. Precision is a cornerstone of hair testing, ensuring substance use detection with outstanding reliability. The rapid turnaround and unmatched accuracy position hair analysis as a preferred choice in various scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Spring Hill, IA
Adopting hair follicle testing in Spring Hill, IA helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. It enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind by upholding high standards of safety and security within the work environment.