Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered a robust method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers as they grow, offering an extensive record of alcohol and other drug use. When gathered near the scalp, these strands allow for detection of substances over three months. The collection process is straightforward, tampering proves challenging, and shipping is hassle-free.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil), taken from near the scalp, provides 100mg, which is optimal for an initial test and confirmation. For specific tests like EtG or those beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is insufficient, body hair an equivalent measure can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first entered into the laboratory's system, ensuring it was sealed and transported properly. A random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional necessary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive screenings require confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Any sample flagged as presumptively positive during this step requires further verification.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair from the original sample is extracted and readied for detailed analysis. Drugs are retrieved from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair screening one of the most technical methods performed.
Verification of positive screening outcomes utilizes techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample with a presumptive positive result undergoes washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Barton, WI
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine screenings through enhanced detection precision and dependability. Their capability to uncover extended drug use makes them a preferred choice for organizations looking for credible testing solutions.
Extended Detection Window in Barton, WI
Hair follicle testing offers an unmatched detection period, up to 90 days, providing employers a thorough view of a candidate's or employee's substance usage history. This long-term insight is critical in assessing ongoing substance issues.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Barton, WI
Hair follicle tests inherently reduce sample manipulation risks, delivering consistent and incontrovertible outcomes. They provide a level of confidence that the results are trustworthy and unaltered, crucial for any testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Barton, WI
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees prompt and effortless access to screening services, eliminating the stress and hassle typically associated with the process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Barton, WI
Embark on a simplified and private journey for ordering, performing, and obtaining results, addressing privacy concerns, and ensuring users find the process easy to navigate and understand.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Barton, WI
Our competitive pricing and rapid results turnaround provide excellent value, granting peace of mind for enterprises regardless of their size. Experience quality service without the hefty price tag.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Barton, WI
Experience the precision of hair follicle drug tests, offering speedy and trustworthy results. These tests boast high detection accuracy for substance use, making them a superior choice for anyone requiring dependable results in Barton, WI.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Barton, WI
Employers can ensure adherence with workplace drug policies through hair testing, minimizing legal exposures and reinforcing workplace safety standards. This offers both security and assurance in maintaining a drug-free environment.