Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When the sample is taken near the scalp, it can indicate alcohol and drug use for approximately three months. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for initial and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory operations encompass four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the primary handling of a sample within the lab’s framework. This step includes ensuring the sample’s seal and proper shipping, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent from an electronic custody documentation system.
During Screening, an initial evaluation for drug presence is conducted. While Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, a positive result must undergo further verification to be legally permissible. Any samples with an initial positive indication in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If Screening indicates potential positivity, a further section of the sample is taken and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), signifying the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Necessary washing of all tentative positive specimens occurs before Confirmation. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Van Meter, IA - Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection window and are less susceptible to tampering, making them a more robust choice for discerning employers and institutions aiming for dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Van Meter, IA - Unlike other methods, hair follicle testing can detect drug use over a protracted period, typically up to 90 days. This extensive detection period provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance use history, helping make more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Van Meter, IA - The design of hair follicle tests significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. This feature ensures results that are both reliable and unquestionable, making hair testing a preferred method for those seeking integrity in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Van Meter, IA - Our widespread testing centers guarantee quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services. Local and nationwide availability ensures that individuals and employers in Van Meter, IA can access drug testing services without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Van Meter, IA - The ordering, testing, and result reception process is both simple and confidential. This addresses any privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use, thereby enhancing the overall user experience and maintaining confidentiality at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Van Meter, IA - We offer competitive pricing structures paired with quick turnaround times, providing great value and peace of mind for companies of all sizes. Our service ensures cost-effective, efficient drug testing solutions in Van Meter.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Van Meter, IA - Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. Their ability to accurately detect substance use makes them an ideal choice for those seeking dependable testing solutions. The accuracy and rapid results of hair testing provide employers with the confidence needed to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Van Meter, IA - Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing potential legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. This compliance provides employers with peace of mind as they maintain a safe and efficient working environment.
