Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair fibers capture biomarkers within the growing strand, offering a timeline of substance use. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can detect drug and alcohol use within an approximate three-month timeframe. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes hair of other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab system, involving confirmation that the sample was properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry outside of an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary inspection for illicit drugs. While this is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result must be verified to be legally acceptable. Any samples tentatively positive in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair is obtained from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a particularly challenging technique.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumed positive samples are washed as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the testing examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine: In Cable, WI, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests, offering superior accuracy. Unlike urine tests that focus on recent drug usage, hair tests provide insights over extended periods, making them invaluable for employers who desire a clear understanding of an employee's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window: In Cable, WI, hair follicle tests provide drug use history over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended detection offers employers a comprehensive view of substance use, crucial for assessing the reliability and consistency of potential or existing employees.
Tamper-Resistant Method: In Cable, WI, the reliability of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, these tests minimize opportunities for adulteration, thereby ensuring results that are both reliable and authentic, providing employers with confidence in the findings.
Convenient Testing Centers: In Cable, WI, and across the nation, our extensive network of testing centers provides seamless access to hair follicle testing services. With numerous locations, we ensure the process is quick and trouble-free, enhancing the overall testing experience.
Simple and Confidential: In Cable, WI, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects privacy. Ordering and undergoing tests, as well as obtaining results, is seamless and confidential, addressing any concerns related to privacy while reinforcing ease of use.
Affordable and Fast: In Cable, WI, we emphasize economic pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing, offering great value for all business sizes. This cost-effective and efficient approach ensures that organizations benefit from reliable testing without breaking the bank.
Hair follicle drug tests in Cable, WI, stand out for their swift and reliable results. Their strength lies in their ability to accurately identify substance use, giving clear insights free from the typical issues faced by other testing methods. With high accuracy and prompt results, these tests are trusted by many for ensuring a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Assurance: By adopting hair follicle testing in Cable, WI, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind by upholding compliance norms and creating a safer work environment.
