Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Antigo, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains evidence of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of approximately three months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness), taken closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional requirements, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and performing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

The Screening step includes a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for judicial acceptability. Any samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening need secondary authentication.

Should a sample test potentially positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this procedure, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging to execute.

The Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected positive undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The whole laboratory pathway from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests detect over a shorter span.
• Challenge to falsify: Hair drug tests offer results that are tougher to manipulate, thus yielding more precise outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It tracks drug usage patterns over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair around 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Typically, hair drug tests incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in terms of detection accuracy and reliability in Antigo, WI. Hair tests have a longer detection window, making them more effective at identifying long-term substance use patterns. Urine tests, conversely, are limited to detecting recent use.

Employers benefit from the enhanced sensitivity of hair tests as they provide a broader picture of drug use history. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less prone to tampering, ensuring higher confidence in the results provided.

Extended Detection Window

In Antigo, WI, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage. This method can trace drug usage up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.

Employers and other agencies benefit from this long-term detection, as it provides detailed insights into the behavioral patterns of applicants or employees. The ability to detect substances over such an extensive period ensures informed decision-making based on accurate historical data.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Antigo, WI, is a key factor in its reliability. These tests significantly reduce the possibility of adulteration, offering unquestionable results.

By collecting hair samples, the risk of substitution or contamination is minimized, ensuring that the results are accurate and reliable. This method instills confidence in those who rely on drug testing for critical evaluations, as it provides dependable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is a hallmark of our hair follicle testing services in Antigo, WI, thanks to our nationwide and local testing locations. With numerous centers available, accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free.

Our numerous locations ensure that you can find a center close to you, minimizing disruption to your schedule. The convenience offered by our widespread network makes it easy for individuals and businesses to undertake testing as needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair follicle testing in Antigo, WI, is simple and confidential, easing concerns about privacy and maintaining ease of use. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined for your convenience.

The confidentiality of the process ensures that privacy is respected at all stages, from sample collection to result delivery. This user-friendly approach is designed to alleviate any worries about the testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Antigo, WI, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures ensure accessibility to this reliable testing method.

Quick turnaround times mean that you receive your results without unnecessary waits, combining cost-effectiveness with the efficiency needed for important decision-making. This provides peace of mind that you’re getting great value from our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Antigo, WI, hair follicle drug tests are considered fast, accurate, and reliable. Their precision in detecting substance use is superior, making these tests a popular choice for those who require swift and definitive results. The accuracy of hair testing ensures that substances are identified effectively.

The rapid processing times mean that results are delivered without delay, offering an efficient solution for companies needing timely information. The reliability of these tests reduces the chance of errors, guaranteeing that assessments are both precise and trustworthy.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Antigo, WI, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies is crucial for reducing legal risks and promoting safety.

This method of testing helps companies maintain a secure work environment by providing reliable data on employee substance use. By choosing hair follicle testing, employers can rest assured that they are meeting compliance standards while ensuring a safe and productive workplace.

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