Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their fibers, offering a comprehensive longer-term view of alcohol and other drug consumption. When cut near the scalp, hair reveals up to a 3-month drug and alcohol use history. The collection process for hair samples is straightforward, they are difficult to tamper with, and they are easily mailed.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the same size as a #2 pencil), clipped closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. Here, head hair refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (like facial or axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of introducing a sample into a lab's system. This process involves ensuring the sample’s seal and correct shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and compiling any supplementary data not prefilled by an e-chain of custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary quick assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening is economically efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates official confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples yielding a presumptively positive result in Screening mandate auxiliary confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), rendering hair screening one of the most challenging testing methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive result found during screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All samples with presumption-positive results undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The overall lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair distinction and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Delmar, WI, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests, making it the preferred choice for many.
Hair follicle testing in Delmar, WI, offers an extended detection window, making it invaluable for employers.
In Delmar, WI, hair follicle tests stand out as a tamper-resistant testing method.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations, including Delmar, WI.
The drug testing process in Delmar, WI, is simple and confidential.
Delmar, WI, boasts affordable pricing and rapid turnover for drug testing.
The hair follicle drug tests available in Delmar, WI, are celebrated for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Key benefits include:
Employers in Delmar, WI, find assurance with hair follicle testing, aiding compliance and peace of mind.
