Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is not only easy to collect but also complicated to tamper with and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on services, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four major steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient technique to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples that are seemingly positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Zilwaukee, MI. Hair testing outshines urine tests by offering longer detection times and heightened reliability. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent use, hair tests provide a robust timeline of substance history. This advantage empowers employers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive insights into employee behavior.
Extended Detection Window in Zilwaukee, MI. Hair follicle tests extend detection capabilities up to 90 days, presenting a detailed overview of drug consumption patterns. Employers gain a three-month window into an individual’s substance use, helping them assess potential risks effectively. This extended timeline is invaluable for maintaining a safe and responsible workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Zilwaukee, MI. The integrity of hair follicle testing is unrivaled due to its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine samples, which are prone to contamination, hair testing maintains its authenticity through a less invasive and adulteration-proof process, ensuring that the results remain beyond reproach.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Zilwaukee, MI. Our extensive network of nationwide testing sites, including Zilwaukee, guarantees convenient, hassle-free accessibility for hair follicle drug testing. This accessibility streamlines the process, ensuring that testing is efficiently integrated into organizational practices.
Simple, Confidential Process in Zilwaukee, MI. Our straightforward, confidential process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining test results respects individual privacy. This ease of use ensures privacy concerns are eliminated, fostering a trusting environment for all parties involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Zilwaukee, MI. Our competitive rates and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses of any size. The combination of affordability with fast results offers exceptional value, reinforcing financial and operational confidence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Zilwaukee, MI. Hair follicle drug tests in Zilwaukee are renowned for their rapid and precise outcomes. This method excels in detecting various substances with unparalleled accuracy, ensuring dependable results in a timely manner. The meticulous nature of hair testing diminishes errors, providing confidence to employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Zilwaukee, MI. Utilizing hair follicle testing in your drug-free workplace policies mitigates legal risks and enhances safety. This practice assures compliance with industry and legal standards, granting peace of mind as it secures a safe, compliant, and thriving work environment.
