Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a record of alcohol and drugs over time by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can detect alcohol and drugs for a period of up to around 3 months. It is easy to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial process of incorporating a sample into a laboratory system. This step includes checking the sample's shipment and seal, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry that might not be provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it efficiently eliminates drug usage for most samples, a positive result from Screening must be validated for courtroom acceptance. Any presumptive positives in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
At the Screening stage, if a sample tests presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests more challenging.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo a cleansing process before confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Prevails in Almena, WI. The benefits of hair follicle testing against traditional urine testing are plenty, making it an attractive option. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering insights into months of drug use history unlike the shorter window provided by urine tests.
Employers, legal bodies, and professionals value hair tests for their longer detection timelines and the challenge they pose to potential manipulation, unlike urine tests which are easier to adulterate. In Almena, the switch to hair testing reflects a commitment to maintaining higher standards in drug detection practices.
Extended Detection Capabilities in Almena, WI. Hair follicle testing is noteworthy for its ability to identify drug use over an extended duration, often up to 90 days. This long detection window offers employers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance use history, which is especially critical for hiring and retention decisions.
In providing a detailed view of past drug use, hair tests enable companies in Almena to make informed judgments about current or prospective employees, highlighting their commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment with a more comprehensive examination method.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Almena, WI. Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the likelihood of sample manipulation or tampering, providing reliable results that are difficult to contest. This characteristic sets hair testing apart from other methods like urine tests, which are more susceptible to adulteration.
For employers and agencies in Almena seeking consistent and trustworthy drug testing options, the tamper-resistant nature of hair testing presents a powerful deterrent against dishonest practices, ensuring that results reflect true substance use.
Nationwide and Local Accessibility in Almena, WI. Our network of testing centers sprawls nationwide, offering unmatched convenience for those seeking drug testing services. With locations readily accessible, Almena residents can quickly and easily undergo hair follicle testing without complications.
The presence of local testing sites amplifies the ease and speed of testing procedures, allowing for efficient service delivery while minimizing downtime for individuals and employers alike in the Almena area.
Effortless and Confidential Process in Almena, WI. The procedure for ordering, administering, and receiving results from hair follicle drug tests is straightforward and respects privacy. Ensuring confidentiality at every stage eases user concerns, bolstering trust in the testing system.
For the residents of Almena, the simplicity of accessing this service combined with assured discretion streamlines the testing journey, making hair follicle tests an attractive option for those valuing ease and privacy.
Affordable and Swift Service in Almena, WI. Competitive pricing coupled with fast processing times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective solution for companies of all sizes. In Almena, businesses can benefit from excellent value by selecting affordable testing without compromising on result timeliness.
With rapid turnaround, organizations can rely on precise and prompt results, ensuring ongoing operations remain uninterrupted, all while experiencing financial savings with every test conducted.
Efficient and Precise Results in Almena, WI. Hair follicle drug testing is a superior choice due to its ability to deliver quick, reliable, and highly accurate results when detecting substance use. This test excels in speed without sacrificing accuracy, making it a preferred method for those needing fast but precise outcomes.
Hair tests are trusted for their high-standard evaluation protocol, providing employers and individuals in Almena with rapid confirmation of drug use. This method not only ensures precision but also supports informed decision-making based on reliable data.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind in Almena, WI. Utilizing hair follicle testing supports employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks, and enhancing overall safety. By choosing hair tests, businesses benefit from the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive drug screening compliance.
Companies in Almena prioritizing safety and legal compliance will find hair follicle testing an effective means to fortify their drug-free policy, safeguarding the workplace environment while ensuring ethical and lawful operations.
