Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. It is simple to collect, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for initial screening and follow-up confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps involved in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid test for commonly abused drugs. While Screening is a low-cost method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a presumptive positive is noted at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is more complex to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in Cameron, WI, due to its superior detection capabilities. It offers an exceptional accuracy that stems from its extended detection window and reliability under various conditions. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair analysis presents a more comprehensive picture of drug use history.
Hair follicle testing in Cameron, WI, excels with its extended detection period, spanning up to 90 days. This feature offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, beneficial for screening potential or current employees.
In Cameron, WI, hair testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method, significantly lowering the likelihood of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures that results delivered are both reliable and credible, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.
With a vast array of nationwide testing facilities, including local ones in Cameron, WI, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and straightforward. This expansive network allows for rapid and effortless testing, addressing the needs of clients promptly and efficiently.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cameron, WI, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving results are designed with privacy at the forefront, making the experience stress-free and discreet for all individuals involved.
In Cameron, WI, we offer affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing models ensure excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes and providing peace of mind through reliable and timely results.
In Cameron, WI, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The precision of hair tests lies in their ability to detect even trace substances, ensuring high accuracy. This method provides clear results rapidly, offering assurance to employers and individuals alike regarding substance use detection.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cameron, WI, provides employers with peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance aids in reducing legal issues and boosts overall workplace safety, creating a secure and reliable working environment.
