Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances, capturing biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and drugs over a span of roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches and containing approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for evaluative testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" refers specifically to hair from the scalp, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for processing a drug test entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplemental data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result from screening must be validated to stand in a legal setting. Samples testing positive in Screening need further verification.
For samples testing positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents the most challenges.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned as necessary before Confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Disadvantages:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the scalp's follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Auburn, WI
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. In Auburn, WI, its enhanced accuracy and reliability ensure a well-rounded portrayal of an individual’s substance use history. This makes it a preferred option for employers seeking dependable drug detection methods.
Extended Detection Window in Auburn, WI
With an ability to uncover drug use over a 90-day period, hair follicle testing in Auburn, WI, provides employers with an extensive overview of an applicant's substance history. This enhanced detection window allows for more informed hiring and monitoring decisions, ensuring a safer and more compliant workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Auburn, WI
Hair follicle tests offer a significant reduction in sample adulteration risks. In Auburn, WI, the integrity of hair testing ensures results that are reliable and indisputable. This makes the method a robust option for accurate substance detection, virtually eliminating concerns over sample tampering.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Auburn, WI
The extensive network of testing centers, including the local facility in Auburn, WI, ensures that accessing drug testing services is straightforward and convenient. This abundance of available locations simplifies the process for individuals and employers needing swift and hassle-free testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Auburn, WI
The process for undergoing hair follicle testing in Auburn, WI, is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, addressing concerns individuals might have about confidentiality and the simplicity of the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Auburn, WI
Competitive pricing paired with fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing services in Auburn, WI, accessible and valuable for businesses of all sizes. This combination of affordability and speed ensures that companies receive excellent service without compromise.
Fast, Reliable, and Precise Results in Auburn, WI
In Auburn, hair follicle testing exemplifies speed and accuracy in detecting substance use. Its precision surpasses traditional methods, ensuring that any use of substances is captured reliably. Employers benefit from this high level of accuracy, making it an exceptional choice for workplace substance detection and safety assurance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Auburn, WI
Employers in Auburn, WI, can rest easy knowing that hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only mitigates legal risks but also promotes a safer and more efficient work environment, reinforcing the company's commitment to employee well-being.