Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair samples has evolved into a vital technique for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair serves as a chronicling medium for alcohol and drug consumption by encasing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Harvested near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal a consumption record spanning nearly three months for alcohol and drug usage. The collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and transportation is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other variants (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory procedure comprises four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample’s integration into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and incorporates any auxiliary data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial, expedient evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical strategy for excluding drug use in most specimens, a verification is requisite for any positive finding to be court-acceptable. Samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
When a specimen tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the concentration of drugs is isolated from hair at considerably lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), thus rendering hair drug screening the most complex technique to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is achieved with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Any presumptive positive samples receive a cleansing process prior to confirmation as needed. The laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the examination actually scrutinizes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the skin surface.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests The benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests are notable. In Glen Haven, WI, hair follicle testing consistently demonstrates superior detection accuracy, capturing long-term drug use more effectively than urine tests.
Enhanced Detection Hair testing provides a greater reliability factor, identifying drug presence that urine tests may miss due to their shorter detection span, offering a more comprehensive substance use history.
Extended Detection Window Benefits One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Glen Haven, WI, is its extended detection window. It enables employers to review an individual's substance use over an extended period of up to 90 days.
Comprehensive Substance History This extended window offers a thorough view of an applicant's or employee's history, allowing for informed decisions based on a more complete understanding of their substance use habits.
Reliable and Tamper-Proof Testing Methods Hair follicle tests provide a substantial advantage in reducing the risk of tampering. In Glen Haven, WI, their robust methodology ensures that adulteration is significantly minimized, yielding consistent and trustworthy results.
Unquestionable Results This testing method's strong resistance to tampering provides peace of mind, guaranteeing that the results reflect an accurate substance use assessment without the possibility of interference.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Availability Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive nationwide testing locations, including Glen Haven, WI, making access to drug testing services quick and hassle-free for all clients.
Ease of Access This broad network simplifies the drug testing process, ensuring that individuals and companies can effortlessly find local testing facilities whenever needed.
Simplicity and Confidentiality in Testing The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Glen Haven, WI, is straightforward and maintains complete confidentiality, so clients can be assured of privacy and ease of use.
Seamless and Private Every step of the testing procedure is designed to protect client information, efficiently and securely handling all aspects of the drug testing journey.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround In Glen Haven, WI, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable hair follicle testing with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of any size.
Value and Efficiency This combination of competitive pricing and prompt result delivery ensures that companies receive the best possible service without compromising on quality or speed.
Precision and Speed in Drug Testing Hair follicle drug tests in Glen Haven, WI, provide unparalleled accuracy and swift results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, making them an excellent choice for reliable drug screening.
Accurate Detection Unlike some traditional tests, hair follicle testing offers a higher accuracy level, reducing the likelihood of false positives or negatives, thus ensuring trustworthy outcomes every time.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety In Glen Haven, WI, incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace drug policies ensures compliance and reduces potential legal liabilities. This method supports a safe and drug-free work environment.
Peace of Mind for Employers Employers can rest assured knowing that this rigorous testing protocol solidifies adherence to drug-free workplace standards, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier workforce.
