Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record of substance use due to the capture of biomarkers in the hair's fibers as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, it provides up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands, roughly matching the girth of a #2 pencil, will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or when exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for precise measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be assembled. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although it is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive findings require confirmation to be legally defensible, necessitating further validation for all presumptive positives.
In cases of presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial collection is readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair testing as among the most intricate techniques to execute.
Confirming positive results involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive specimen undergoes washing before confirmation if needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to oversight by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently misnamed "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bay City, WI, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering an extended detection window and reliability. Hair tests have superior accuracy as they trace drug use up to 90 days back, glaringly outpacing urine tests, which detect only recent use. For zero-tolerance policies, this extended observation period is invaluable, giving a fuller picture of an individual's substance use.
The standout feature of hair follicle drug testing in Bay City, WI is its extensive detection window. Unlike urine tests, which capture drug usage over a few days, hair tests reveal an individual's drug history up to 90 days old. This capability offers employers a comprehensive overview of employee or applicant substance use, essential for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug tests in Bay City, WI ensures the integrity of the testing process. By minimizing the potential for sample adulteration, hair testing delivers results that are dependable and difficult to dispute. This reliability forms the backbone of its effectiveness, reassuring employers and testing authorities of its unyielding validity and credibility.
In Bay City, WI, the convenience of comprehensive and nationwide testing locations simplifies the drug testing process. Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy accessibility to services, guaranteeing that all testing needs are met swiftly and efficiently, no matter your location. This network supports a seamless experience for individuals and businesses alike, removing geographical barriers to effective testing.
Accredited Drug Testing streamlines the testing process in Bay City, WI. The procedure is simple and confidential, from ordering a test to receiving results. This transparency reassures clients that their privacy is paramount. The easy-to-use services address common apprehensions about drug testing, ensuring a respectful and secure handling of sensitive information.
In Bay City, WI, Accredited Drug Testing takes pride in offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Companies of any scale benefit from these cost-effective services paired with rapid results, providing great value for efficient drug testing solutions. The affordability factors directly contribute to peace of mind, making it accessible without compromising quality.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Bay City, WI is unparalleled. With their precision, these tests offer fast and accurate detection of substance use, ensuring reliable results. This method's speed greatly benefits individuals and organizations seeking trustworthy data on drug use. The precision in each test guarantees a high level of accuracy, making it the preferred choice for many.
Employers in Bay City, WI gain peace of mind and compliance assurance through hair follicle testing. This method supports upholding drug-free workplace policies, substantially mitigating legal risks and fostering a safer environment for all staff. Compliance with these policies not only protects the business but also enhances overall workplace well-being through reliable substance monitoring.
