Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by locking in biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When clipped close to the scalp, it can indicate drug and alcohol use over a span of nearly three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent portion of body hair can be utilized. Head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, while body hair represents all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially entered into the lab's system. This phase includes checking if the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient way to discard drug use in most cases, a positive result must be confirmed to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation for any positive result from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are washed prior to confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test itself focuses on the hair strand and excludes the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Elk, WI, stands out over traditional urine tests due to its enhanced accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection window, making them superior in tracing substance history. This advantage aids employers in confidently maintaining a drug-free workplace and judicial institutions in better monitoring compliance.
With hair follicle testing in Elk, WI, the detection window benefits extend up to 90 days, offering a broader look at an individual's drug use history. This extensive period is invaluable for employers wishing to ensure comprehensive screening, revealing substance patterns that could affect workplace safety and efficiency.
Elk, WI's hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant alternative to conventional testing methods. By significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration, hair tests ensure consistent and unquestionable findings, promoting fairness and accuracy in substance use detection.
Our conveniently located testing centers ensure easy access for hair follicle testing throughout Elk, WI, and nationwide. This network guarantees a straightforward, quick, and hassle-free process for those needing screening services, making it as accessible as possible for all clients.
In Elk, WI, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to be user-friendly and secure, ensuring a seamless experience for individuals requesting these services.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle tests in Elk, WI, also deliver fast turnaround times, meeting diverse company needs. This affordability and swiftness provide excellent value, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can conduct necessary screenings without financial strain.
In Elk, WI, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and precision in detecting substance use. The method offers high accuracy and efficiency, making it a preferred choice for many seeking reliable results. The technology involved in analyzing hair provides comprehensive insights, ensuring rapid detection of a variety of substances.
Hair follicle testing in Elk, WI, offers employers peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This testing approach not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances workplace safety, creating a reliable environment for businesses focused on maintaining a secure and healthy workforce.
