Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, approximately 200 strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. When scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the foundational step where a sample is integrated into the lab’s system. This entails ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any data gaps left by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary step that provides a rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug usage among many samples, any positive results require confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positive results in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The total lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coon Valley, WI Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. They can uncover drug use with higher accuracy due to their ability to detect metabolites over a longer period. This makes them a reliable choice for employers aiming to maintain drug-free workplaces.
Extended Detection Window in Coon Valley, WI Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection period, observing drug use up to 90 days in the past. This thorough window provides employers with an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history, helping maintain a responsible workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coon Valley, WI Hair follicle testing is a robust method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Its reliability ensures that results are tamper-proof, offering assurance to organizations that integrity in testing is upheld without question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coon Valley, WI Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation offers unparalleled convenience. You can access our services easily and swiftly, ensuring a straightforward testing process with local sites catering promptly to your requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coon Valley, WI The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet. It's easy to order tests, conduct the sampling, and receive results, ensuring privacy and reducing stress for individuals concerned about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coon Valley, WI We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, providing exceptional value. The quick turnaround times for results ensure that businesses of all sizes can maintain efficiency without overspending or delays.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coon Valley, WI Achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing through rapid and precise detection of substance use. Hair tests deliver exceptional accuracy, ensuring that even the most subtle indications of drug use are identified. Our clients benefit from swift results, facilitating timely decision-making and ongoing safety.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coon Valley, WI Utilizing hair follicle testing helps companies adhere to drug-free workplace mandates. This approach not only reduces potential legal liabilities but also enhances overall workplace safety, giving employers confidence in their compliance efforts.
