Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair archives a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of actively growing hair strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional screens, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for precise specimen measurement. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair, in contrast, includes all non-scalp hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test outcome consists of four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initiating the sample within the lab's system. This step entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data absent from an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for potential drug presence. Although Screening is a cost-friendly approach to eliminate drug use suspicion for most samples, any positive results necessitate confirmation for legal validity. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the collected sample and readied for Extraction. During this step, drug traces are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug testing is among the most labor-intensive methods.
To confirm a positive screening outcome, analyses like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chester, WI
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled advantages over traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may be effective for short-term detection, hair tests extend their detection period, ensuring that any substance use within the last 90 days is accurately identified, making them a more reliable choice for thorough drug testing.
Extended Detection Window in Chester, WI
The hair follicle test's capacity to reveal drug use over an extensive period—up to 90 days—provides a more comprehensive picture of a person's substance usage history. This extensive detection window is invaluable for employers in comprehensively assessing an applicant or employee's substance history, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chester, WI
One of the key advantages of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. This testing method significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and indisputable results. Employers can be confident that hair testing provides a trustworthy measure of an individual’s drug use history, free from the common pitfalls of other testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chester, WI
Accredited Drug Testing makes drug testing accessible with a wide network of national and local testing centers, including those in Chester. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and employers can quickly and easily access testing services without hassle, providing peace of mind and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chester, WI
Ordering and receiving results through our hair follicle testing process is not only simple but also confidential, addressing key concerns of privacy and ease for users. Whether for employers or individuals, this seamless process ensures worry-free testing experiences in Chester, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chester, WI
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Chester, WI. This effective service offers excellent value, accommodating businesses of all sizes and ensuring economic efficiency without compromising on quality or reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chester, WI
Hair follicle drug testing in Chester stands out due to its precision and speed. This method is exceptionally reliable in identifying substance use, providing highly accurate results. Employers and individuals can trust this method for timely and dependable outcomes, making it a preferred choice over other testing methods available in Chester, WI.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chester, WI
Utilizing hair follicle testing can assure employers in Chester of compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. By integrating such testing methods, employers not only safeguard their work environment but also contribute to the overall peace of mind for both management and employees alike.
