Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing hair strands, hair provides a historical record of alcohol and drugs. When harvested from near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal sample size for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding ten panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair solely indicate scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing phase within a laboratory system. It entails verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any additional data input not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome needs confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples presumptive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is utilized from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex procedure to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing if needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is monitored under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often labeled "hair follicle tests," the testing examines the hair strand instead of the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
In Chief Lake, WI, hair follicle testing provides distinct advantages over urine tests, noted for superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers benefit from improved substance use insights with this testing method.
In Chief Lake, WI, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This allows employers tremendous insight into an individual's substance history, far surpassing that of traditional methods.
Hair follicle testing in Chief Lake, WI, is a highly tamper-resistant method, significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration. This testing approach ensures results are robust and dependable.
Chief Lake, WI, ensures easy access to testing through numerous nationwide centers, making the process convenient and straightforward for all involved.
Chief Lake, WI, offers a direct and confidential process for hair follicle testing, making it accessible and respectful of privacy, from ordering to the delivery of results.
Chief Lake, WI, provides competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle testing, delivering exceptional value and peace of mind to businesses of every size.
Chief Lake, WI offers solutions with hair follicle drug testing, renowned for their speed and precision. These tests deliver high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring confidence in the results.
Employers in Chief Lake, WI, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, aligning with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks, and promoting a safe working environment.
