Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. When sourced near the scalp, a hair sample can show a history of usage spanning up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and samples are easy to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirming results. For EtG, additional testing, or examinations beyond 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's infrastructure. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair, albeit at lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug tests the most challenging to execute.
Any positive findings from Screening are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. Each step of the laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines, and in accordance with the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the actual hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages Over Urine Tests: In Wright, IA, hair follicle tests offer superior detection compared to traditional urine testing. They provide more accurate results, ensuring a greater level of reliability in identifying drug use over extended periods.
Traditional urine tests sometimes fail to reveal long-term substance use. Hair follicle testing bridges this gap with an extended detection window, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Extended Detection Capability: Hair follicle testing in Wright, IA uniquely detects drug use over a 90-day period, offering employers an extensive overview of a candidate's substance habits.
By sampling hair, this method unveils a continuous history of drug use, surpassing the limited timeframe of alternative testing methods. It gives employers confidence in making informed hiring decisions.
Highly Tamper-Resistant: Hair follicle testing in Wright, IA significantly reduces the likelihood of tampering, ensuring integrity and trust in the results for both the employers and the candidates.
Unlike other testing methods that can be easily manipulated, hair tests offer a nearly foolproof detection process, providing accurate insights free from adulteration.
Accessible Testing Centers: With widespread testing locations in Wright, IA and nationwide, hair follicle tests are easy to access, ensuring convenience for both local and non-local clients.
Our extensive network guarantees quick and efficient service, eliminating the hassle and providing seamless access to testing facilities across the country.
Confidential and Simple Process: The hair follicle testing process in Wright, IA is designed to be straightforward and private, reassuring those concerned about discretion and ease of use.
From order to results, each step is crafted to ensure confidentiality and simplicity, providing users with a stress-free experience.
Cost-Effective Solutions: In Wright, IA, our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and swift results, ensuring value for businesses of any size.
By combining affordability with rapid response, we deliver an exceptional service that supports companies in maintaining their drug-free policies effectively and economically.
Speed and Precision: Hair follicle drug tests in Wright, IA provide unmatched accuracy and rapid results in identifying substance use. Their ability to detect a wide array of substances ensures more comprehensive and faster screening compared to other methods.
The precision of hair follicle testing delivers highly reliable findings. Employers and individuals benefit from the quick turnaround time, aiding fast decision-making processes.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety: In Wright, IA, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing potential legal complications and promoting a safer work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that reliable testing methods are in place to uphold the highest standards of workplace safety and policy adherence.
