Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have become recognized as a potent method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can yield up to around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample composed of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional units, and/or examinations exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. Mention of head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four major phases entailed in the lab processing of a drug result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This entails verifying the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective means to negate drug exposure in most samples, a positive screen needs to be validated for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening do necessitate secondary verification.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is excerpted from the original specimen and set for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are distilled prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself inspects the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Windsor Heights, IA, hair follicle testing holds a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities make it more reliable, granting a longer window for identifying substance use compared to urine testing.
Employers and organizations benefit from hair testing due to its accuracy in detecting historical drug usage, which can't be easily replicated by other conventional methods like urine testing.
The extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing in Windsor Heights, IA is up to 90 days, providing employers with a comprehensive review of an individual's substance history.
By exploiting this prolonged detection window, companies can accurately assess applicants or employees for drug usage history, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing in Windsor Heights, IA significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration. The integrity of results remains intact, ensuring reliable conclusions that can't be easily tampered with.
Employing this robust testing method diminishes the chances of sample manipulation, granting accurate outcomes and boosting trust in test results.
Convenient testing at Accredited Drug Testing centers nationwide simplifies drug testing accessibility in Windsor Heights, IA. This broad network enables easy and quick access to services without hassle.
Local facilities coupled with nationwide coverage ensure swift testing options, providing a straightforward process from start to finish for individuals and companies alike.
In Windsor Heights, IA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Every aspect from ordering to receiving results is managed with privacy and ease.
By ensuring a straightforward approach, Accredited Drug Testing addresses privacy concerns, offering users peace of mind through a seamless and secure testing journey.
The affordable pricing and speedy turnaround times in Windsor Heights, IA make hair follicle testing a sought-after choice for companies seeking efficient testing solutions.
Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value, supporting businesses in achieving reliable testing results promptly without financial strain.
The effectiveness of hair follicle drug tests in Windsor Heights, IA, lies in their prompt and reliable results. Boasting high levels of precision, these tests accurately detect substance use, making them an essential tool for thorough screenings.
Hair tests provide fast and accurate results, ensuring individuals and employers receive the peace of mind they seek. This rapid testing method aids in maintaining safety and health standards effortlessly.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Windsor Heights, IA supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It promotes peace of mind by minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety.
Employers can rest assured knowing that each test is reliable, fostering an environment of security and adherence to policy standards effortlessly.
