Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair provides a detailed long-term record of alcohol and other drug use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, supplies 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For testing that includes EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When the term head hair is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample has been appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, but a positive screen demands confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Any samples that come back presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is found to be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
To validate any positive screening result, confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results may be washed before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the root embedded in the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Grandview, WI
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. With its superior detection capabilities, it delivers more reliable and accurate insights into substance use compared to urine tests, particularly for those adopting zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Grandview, WI
Hair follicle testing stands out for its capacity to unveil drug use over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days. This gives employers an in-depth understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, thus facilitating informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Grandview, WI
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample tampering risks, ensuring reliable and irrefutable results. This robust method is favored due to its resilience against common forms of test manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Grandview, WI
Our expansive network of testing centers across the nation facilitates quick and accessible drug testing services. This ensures convenient and hassle-free experiences for clients in and around Grandview.
Simple, Confidential Process in Grandview, WI
We offer a straightforward and confidential drug testing procedure, from ordering to getting results. This approach addresses privacy and user convenience, making the process easy for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Grandview, WI
Our competitive pricing structure coupled with swift turnaround times delivers exceptional value, providing companies of all sizes with effective solutions and peace of mind at reasonable rates.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Grandview, WI
When it comes to drug testing, precision and speed are key. Hair follicle testing provides highly reliable results, quickly identifying substance use in individuals. This method's enhanced accuracy ensures peace of mind for all parties involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Grandview, WI
Incorporating hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with workplace drug policies and reduces legal risks. This method enhances safety and peace of mind, underpinning a secure work environment.
