Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This technique monitors alcohol and drug history by preserving biomarkers in the hair fibers as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introduction of a sample into the lab’s system. This stage ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and fills in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial speedy analysis for drugs of abuse. Screening economically eliminates drug presence in most samples, yet a positive result must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples flagged in Screening as potentially positive need further confirmation.
When a sample is flagged in the Screening process, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration versus other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all potentially positive samples are washed as necessary. The entire lab sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Analysis Supercedes Urine Testing in Butternut, WI
Hair evaluations provide advantages over traditional urine analyses, showcasing superior detection and reliability. The extensive tracing capability of hair tests offers unmatched accuracy, extending drug usage detection up to three months. This makes hair assessments invaluable for employers aiming for consistent zero-tolerance environments, surpassing the narrower scope of standard urine evaluations.
Extended Detection Span in Butternut, WI
The notable benefit of hair evaluations is their long detection period, capturing drug use from up to 90 days prior. Such an extended assessment period offers employers a thorough insight into an applicant or staff's history of consumption, embodying a comprehensive tool for enforcing workplace substance policies and ensuring personnel consistency.
Secure, Tamper-Resistant Evaluation Method in Butternut, WI
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of sample alteration. The methodology demands collection under observation, rendering potential tampering or substitution practically impossible. This assurance of sample integrity produces reliable, undeniable results, fostering trust in the testing process.
Conveniently Located Testing Facilities in Butternut, WI
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including in Butternut, WI, accessing our services is simple and hassle-free. Our widespread locations enable quick testing access, eliminating logistical challenges and allowing organizations to conduct timely evaluations without detour or delay, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
Seamless, Confidential Testing Process in Butternut, WI
Our method is straightforward and discreet, from order to result. Ensuring privacy and comfort, the procedure caters to every client's need for security and ease, offering a streamlined experience from the initial test request through to the final reporting, crucially upholding clients' confidentiality.
Cost-Effective Options and Rapid Results in Butternut, WI
Offering competitive pricing and swift processing times, our evaluations deliver great value for organizations, large or small. With quick turnaround and cost-efficient solutions, businesses achieve peace of mind knowing their testing decisions and resulting implications uphold economic and operational balances.
Fast, Reliable Outcomes in Butternut, WI
Hair follicle analyses offer precise and swift results, boasting superior accuracy in indicating substance consumption. This method excels in identifying drug traces, offering companies confidence in decision-making processes. Whether pre-employment tests or routine employee checks, timely and clear assessments pose significant advantages, facilitating informed choices and upholding company standards.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Butternut, WI
Using hair follicle testing promotes compliance with drug-free workplace norms, reducing legal exposure and enhancing worksite safety. By integrating these assessments, companies can maintain rigorous organizational standards, ensuring a safe environment while upholding accountability and government regulations.
