Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective instrument in identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can deliver up to about a 3-month detection window for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp is inaccessible, a proportional amount of body hair can be utilized. Reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial steps of incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not maintained by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary scan for drug substances. While it's an economical approach for ruling out drug use in many samples, positive screening results require confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample that is presumptively positive during Screening necessitates further confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this stage, substances are drawn out from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), signifying the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirming any positive results from Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bradley, WI Hair follicle tests are superior to urine tests thanks to their higher detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are designed for short-term detection, hair tests provide a comprehensive analysis over a longer period, making them more effective for employers interested in prolonged substance histories.
Extended Detection Window in Bradley, WI One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to trace substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This extended time frame offers employers a clear understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug history, making informed decisions more robust.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bradley, WI Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering compared to other methods. Its inherent resistance to manipulation ensures that results remain reliable and unquestioned, providing peace of mind to employers and authorities looking for accurate drug test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bradley, WI Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Bradley, ensures easy access to our services anytime, anywhere. This not only saves time but also guarantees a hassle-free testing experience for all stakeholders involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bradley, WI Our process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality from ordering to result receipt. This seamless approach addresses privacy concerns, making the testing procedure comfortable and secure for all individuals.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bradley, WI Our competitive pricing and quick result delivery promise excellent value. This ensures peace of mind for companies of all sizes, knowing they receive top-quality testing without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bradley, WI Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed, providing highly accurate detection of substance use. This makes them an invaluable tool for accurate substance monitoring across various settings, ensuring reliable results in a fraction of the time compared to older methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bradley, WI Using hair follicle tests can help companies remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies, effectively reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety and integrity in the workplace environment.