Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Afton, IA

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged account of alcohol and drug markers by securing them within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it can offer a detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs that extends to roughly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and facilitates convenient shipping.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hairs (roughly equating to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp delivers 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and validation. For assessments of EtG, supplemental tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In scenarios where scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The core steps in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the process of introducing a sample into the lab system initially. This encompasses ensuring that the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drug substances. While this is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result from Screening needs confirmation in order to be valid in judicial settings. Any samples yielding a positive indication in Screening do mandate a secondary confirmation step.

For samples with a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is considerably lower than that obtained through other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity involved in conducting hair drug screening.

Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire series from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating on a hair drug test is highly challenging, enhancing accuracy of the results.
• Delivers historical data: Offers insights into drug usage patterns over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually more costly than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth impact the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Even though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Afton, IA, hair follicle testing is a preferred choice over urine tests due to its superior accuracy and dependability. While urine tests have been a traditional method, hair tests offer a lengthier detection period, capturing drug usage more effectively and providing a more complete picture of an individual’s substance use history.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Afton, IA benefit greatly from the extended detection window of hair follicle drug tests. This method can trace drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a detailed history of an applicant or employee’s substance usage. Such extensive visibility empowers better-informed hiring and workplace management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Afton, IA offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing needs. The inherent nature of hair samples drastically lowers the risk of sample contamination or adulteration, providing businesses and institutions with outcomes that are as reliable as they are conclusive.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With national and local testing centers in Afton, IA, we offer convenience and accessibility for all testing needs. Navigating the process is seamless, thanks to our extensive network, ensuring testing services are quick and hassle-free across all regions, including this community.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process at our Afton, IA centers is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease for each client. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining transparency throughout the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Afton, IA, we pride ourselves on affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive pricing structures, paired with expedited result generation, offer unparalleled value, ensuring peace of mind for organizations of every scale.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug tests are truly unmatched in Afton, IA. Hair testing reliably detects substance use with speed and accuracy, ensuring that results reflect true drug history. Such reliability is crucial for both individuals requesting tests and organizations seeking trustworthy data.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Afton, IA ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, delivering peace of mind for employers. This method reduces legal risks and improves workplace safety by confirming adherence to company guidelines, creating a secure and harmonious work environment.

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