Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair effectively captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs through biomarkers embedded within the hair's fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, resists tampering, and is easy to package for shipping.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be harvested. References to head hair mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages involved in processing a drug test outcome in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes integrating a sample into a lab’s system initially. This phase covers ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and gathering any extra data not delivered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for abused drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a preliminary positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples deemed presumptively positive require a secondary confirmation.
For samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original batch and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening notably challenging.
Any positive Screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned pre-confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fitchburg, WI
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to conventional urine tests. Thanks to their reliable results and ability to capture comprehensive drug use history, they provide a clearer picture for employers and legal authorities, allowing better-informed decisions that enhance workplace safety and legal compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Fitchburg, WI
Hair follicle testing is known for its long detection window, extending up to 90 days. This length provides a comprehensive view of a subject's substance history, offering employers in Fitchburg critical insights into an employee or applicant's drug use over time, aiding in making informed hiring or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fitchburg, WI
The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods, altering the results is nearly impossible, ensuring a trustworthy analysis in Fitchburg. As such, stakeholders can rely on the outcomes to reflect true drug use status, supporting informed policymaking and enforcement.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fitchburg, WI
Our expansive network of testing centers, including local and nationwide locations, offers convenience for those requiring quick and accessible testing services. With centers readily available, Fitchburg residents and businesses benefit from hassle-free and efficient testing processes whenever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fitchburg, WI
The procedure for engaging in hair follicle testing is straightforward and secure. The ordering, execution, and results retrieval processes are designed with confidentiality in mind, ensuring privacy is respected, which is crucial for individuals and businesses seeking peace of mind and compliance in Fitchburg.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fitchburg, WI
With competitive pricing structures, our hair follicle testing services assure value to companies of varied sizes in Fitchburg. Combined with fast turnaround times, businesses gain the dual advantage of cost-effectiveness and time efficiency, crucial for maintaining operational flow and employee satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fitchburg, WI
The hair follicle drug testing method shines with its precision and swift reporting. With high accuracy, it reliably detects substance use, allowing individuals and organizations in Fitchburg to swiftly address potential concerns or violations of drug policies. Thus, it ensures a safer and more compliant environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fitchburg, WI
Employing hair follicle testing helps Fitchburg employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing well-documented evidence of an employee's or prospective hire’s substance use history, thus maintaining a secure and compliant business environment.
