Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to about three months. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample roughly equivalent to 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result features four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample's seal and shipment accuracy, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain-of-custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to ruling out drug usage across most samples, a positive result must be validated to hold up in court. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a presumptive positive arises during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Gibson, WI, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The superior detection accuracy of hair tests can identify substance use patterns over a longer period, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's habits. Reliable and almost foolproof, hair testing is favored by employers and authorities seeking accurate results. The method reduces false negatives, marking a step forward from conventional urine tests when it comes to precision.
Hair follicle testing in Gibson, WI, is instrumental in detecting drug use over an extended period, providing coverage up to 90 days. This detailed detection window allows employers a thorough understanding of a subject's potentially long-standing substance use history. For companies, this means capturing a broader timeline of drug usage behavior, thereby offering a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s compliance and reliability.
Gibson, WI, benefits from the robust nature of hair follicle testing, which is notably resistant to tampering. This testing method almost eliminates the chances of adulteration, ensuring that the results are both reliable and unquestionable. Unlike other testing procedures, the integrity of a hair sample holds firm, giving individuals and entities confidence in the authenticity and accuracy of the test outcomes.
Our nationwide reach, including local services in Gibson, WI, ensures convenience. With accessible testing centers across the country, individuals and organizations can easily find reliable hair follicle testing options near them. This widespread network provides a seamless experience, minimizing travel and time requirements, thus ensuring that testing is both quick and hassle-free for everyone involved.
In Gibson, WI, the process of hair follicle drug testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing to receiving results, each step is designed to maintain privacy and ease for the user. Individuals can trust the process to securely handle sensitive information, ensuring that their experiences are straightforward while their confidentiality is respected and prioritized throughout.
Competitive pricing and swift results mark the hair follicle testing process in Gibson, WI. Our structure offers value no matter the company size, ensuring affordability does not compromise quality. The fast turnaround times mean that clients receive the information needed promptly, allowing for timely and informed decision-making, all while staying within budget constraints.
In Gibson, WI, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing ensure rapid and accurate results. These tests are particularly adept at detecting substance use due to their meticulous methodology. The accuracy of hair follicle tests makes them a preferred choice for many seeking reliable and conclusive data. This precision provides individuals and organizations with assured outcomes, which traditional methods may not always guarantee.
Employers in Gibson, WI, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, they minimize legal risks and enhance safety. Hair tests foster a secure work environment, reflecting an employer's commitment to professional standards. This contribution to safety and legal adherence fortifies trust within the organization and with external partners.
