Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term archive of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A collected section of 1.5 inches or about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for testing purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug analysis result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economically efficient for ruling out drug consumption in most samples, a positive result needs verification to be accepted in a legal context. Samples that are potentially positive in Screening will necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed 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: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Cato, WI provides unmatched benefits compared to traditional urine tests. This method offers superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a more comprehensive picture of drug use. Urine tests, while common, may miss certain substances and recent use, whereas hair testing presents a broader detection scope, granting employers more detailed insights into candidates and employees.
In Cato, WI, hair follicle testing excels with its extensive detection window, capturing drug use over up to 90 days. This offers employers a thorough review of a subject’s history for drug use, essential for roles demanding sober and responsible behavior. Such a prolonged period of retrospective analysis empowers employers with data ensuring informed hiring and review processes.
The tamper-resistant characteristics of hair follicle testing make it a reliable option in Cato, WI. This method significantly reduces risks of sample tampering, ensuring credible results that are hard to manipulate. The robust process secures employers' trust—upholding integrity and authenticity of results, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Offering convenient access across testing centers nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free services locally in Cato, WI. This widespread reach allows individuals and employers to quickly and easily access necessary testing services without inconvenience. Our extensive network guarantees convenience and swiftness in meeting testing needs.
Our testing process in Cato, WI is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are handled discreetly, with privacy concerns fully addressed. This seamless process allows users to engage in testing with ease, encouraging a stress-free experience while safeguarding personal data at all stages.
Offering competitive pricing structures, Accredited Drug Testing in Cato, WI provides excellent value. With fast turnaround times, employers benefit from swift and reliable results, ensuring operations continue smoothly. Our cost-effective solutions cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring affordability without compromising quality and assurance.
With fast, precise, and reliable results, hair follicle drug testing in Cato, WI stands out for accurately detecting substance use. The advanced methodologies ensure high precision, bringing confidence in test outcomes. Speedy processing offers a thorough understanding of an individual's history with unparalleled accuracy. This approach delivers rapid turnaround times ensuring crucial decisions are made with confidence.
Employers in Cato, WI find peace of mind with hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method aids in reducing legal risks and enhancing occupational safety. Adopting this stringent testing protocol ensures a safe workplace while upholding regulatory compliance, thus fostering a security-centric environment.
