Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding markers within the strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, with hair being somewhat resistant to tampering, and it's also easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's best to collect 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
With a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair testing to urine testing in Fort Atkinson, WI, hair follicle tests clearly stand out. The accuracy of hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests as they are not only more challenging to manipulate but also furnish detailed insights into an individual’s history of substance use, proving beneficial for employers nationwide.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, identifying drug use across a span of up to 90 days in Fort Atkinson, WI. This broader range provides employers with a fuller picture of an employee or candidate's history, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.
Ensuring the integrity of test results is vital, and in Fort Atkinson, WI, hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant option. Thanks to their design, manipulating test outcomes becomes virtually impossible, thus offering trustworthy and undeniable results that stakeholders can depend on.
Enjoy the ease of access to our extensive network of testing sites across the nation, including in Fort Atkinson, WI. With numerous locations available, we simplify the process of getting tested quickly and without fuss, prioritizing convenience and efficiency for all patrons seeking necessary testing services.
Our process in Fort Atkinson, WI ensures a simple and confidential experience from order placement to test-taking and results reception. Addressing privacy concerns head-on, we provide a streamlined approach that guarantees your ease and discretion throughout the service.
Offering affordable pricing and swift results, our services in Fort Atkinson, WI are tailored to provide exceptional value. No matter the size of your company, benefit from our competitive pricing and rapid turnover, which ensure peace of mind and efficient operations for your business.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an ideal choice for anyone in need of reliable substance detection in Fort Atkinson, WI. Speed and accuracy are key, as these tests rapidly and accurately examine drug use, ensuring timely results that can influence employment decisions or legal outcomes.
Implementing hair follicle testing reinforces compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Fort Atkinson, WI, fostering a secure environment while minimizing legal risks. This comprehensive testing strategy assures both employers and employees of adherence to workplace safety standards.
