Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By retaining biomarkers within the strands, hair offers an extended timeline of substance use. When clipped close to the head, it can show substance presence for up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (resembling a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or extensive panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If head hair is inaccessible, a similar measure of body hair is acceptable. Head hair indicates hair from the scalp only, while body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning centers on the early handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This phase includes confirming the sample's intact sealing and correct shipment, giving it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any incomplete data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase conducts an initial rapid assessment for prohibited substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly method for negating drug consumption in a majority of cases, a positive screening must be verified for judicial acceptance. Samples with apparent positives in Screening require a subsequent verification.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. This process involves isolating substances from hair at much lower levels than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is aligned with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Florence, WI
Extended Detection Window in Florence, WI
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period, covering drug use up to 90 days. This broad timeframe offers a thorough insight into substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Florence, WI
The integrity of hair follicle tests prevents adulteration, ensuring
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Florence, WI
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation offers unmatched convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Florence, WI
Hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, easing concerns of confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Florence, WI
Our competitive pricing structures deliver incredible value, paired with a swift turnaround.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Florence, WI
The precision and rapidity of hair follicle drug testing make it a standout choice for detecting substance use effectively.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Florence, WI
Adopting hair follicle tests in Florence, WI assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace regulations, minimizing legal issues and promoting safety.