Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of such substances by embedding biomarkers in the hair fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate three-month detection span for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing around 200 hairs (about #2 pencil diameter) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For enhanced EtG testing or tests exceeding 10-panel specifications, 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the hair specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair is permissible. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes encompasses four pivotal phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample introduction into a laboratory's system. This step verifies sample integrity, assigns a unique random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective in excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates subsequent validation for legal acceptability. A secondary verification is essential if the Screening suggests a positive result.
For presumptively positive cases in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original batch for further Extraction. In this process, substances are separated from hair at a minimal concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive screening is ensured using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Birch Hill, WI
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer extended detection periods, making them more effective at identifying ongoing substance use. The greater insight into a person’s drug history supports informed decision-making for employers and professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Birch Hill, WI
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive view of drug use over a longer timeframe, approximately 90 days. This extensive detection window allows employers to thoroughly assess an individual's drug history, ensuring a better understanding of substance use patterns compared to other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Birch Hill, WI
The risk of adulteration with hair follicle tests is significantly reduced compared to other drug testing methods. This method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, offering added confidence to employers and legal entities. The robustness of hair testing safeguards against tampering effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Birch Hill, WI
Our widespread testing centers offer convenient access across the nation, including Birch Hill, WI. This accessibility ensures that all testing processes are quick, efficient, and hassle-free, enabling individuals and employers to address their testing needs effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Birch Hill, WI
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, privacy and ease are prioritized, ensuring that individuals feel secure and informed throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Birch Hill, WI
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing with quick result turnaround times. This balance of cost-effectiveness and speed provides excellent value, catering to the needs of companies of all sizes while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Birch Hill, WI
Hair follicle drug testing offers exceptional precision and speed in identifying substance use. This method surpasses traditional tests in detecting drug use, delivering highly accurate results that enhance substance detection efficacy. The promptness and dependability of this testing approach make it the preferred choice in Birch Hill.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Birch Hill, WI
Employing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal challenges and elevating workplace safety. This testing ensures compliance with regulations, providing peace of mind to employers looking to maintain a safe and drug-free environment.