Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers in the hair's growing strand fibers. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can provide roughly a 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, then 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When we mention head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial processing into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. It serves as a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.
If a screening result is presumptively positive, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Altoona, WI
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing shines in terms of superior detection accuracy. In Altoona, WI, hair tests can identify drug use over a much more extended period, offering reliability and precision that urine tests can't match.
Extended Detection Window in Altoona, WI
The ability of hair follicle tests to recognize drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, makes it indispensable in Altoona, WI. This extended window provides employers with a detailed understanding of a person's substance use history, enhancing decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Altoona, WI
Hair follicle testing stands out in Altoona, WI, due to its resistance to sample tampering. The process ensures accurate, trustworthy results, significantly lowering the risk of adulteration and offering reliable assurance to employers and legal authorities alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Altoona, WI
With extensive coverage in Altoona, WI, and across the nation, our testing centers guarantee easy access to services. This wide-reaching availability ensures quick and convenient testing, minimizing any disruptions to your schedule.
Simple, Confidential Process in Altoona, WI
In Altoona, WI, our hair testing procedure is designed to be straightforward and discreet. From ordering to results, the entire process ensures privacy and confidentiality, providing peace of mind for clients at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Altoona, WI
Our services in Altoona, WI, promise competitive pricing and swift results, making hair follicle testing both cost-effective and time-efficient. Companies benefit from the excellent value provided while enjoying rapid, reliable outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Altoona, WI
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and swift results. In Altoona, WI, these tests provide clear, accurate detection of substance use, making them a top choice for reliability. With advanced technology, results are delivered promptly, ensuring immediate insights for stakeholders.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Altoona, WI
Employers in Altoona, WI, benefit from the peace of mind that hair follicle testing provides in enforcing drug-free policies. Compliant testing methods help reduce legal liabilities and promote a safer workplace, aligning with zero-tolerance initiatives.
