Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers of alcohol and drugs, offering a prolonged historical record. When cut near the scalp, hair samples can indicate usage over approximately a 3-month period. This collection method is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to send.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the hair. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair should be collected. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is logged into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was securely sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not fulfilled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary examination for substance abuse. As an economical approach, it can exclude drug use in most samples, yet a positive screening needs validation for legal acceptability. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
For samples preliminarily positive in the Screening stage, more strands are prepared from the initial sample for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently known as "hair follicle tests", these assessments evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Advantages of Hair Follicle Over Urine Testing in Hustisford, WI
Comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests reveals significant advantages in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader detection window and more robust measures against sample tampering, making them a preferred option for businesses.
Long-term Detection Capabilities in Hustisford, WI
Hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use, with a detection window extending up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee’s drug use history, enhancing the decision-making process.
Security in Testing with Hair Follicles in Hustisford, WI
The method substantially minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, offering results that are dependable and conclusive. This reduces the challenges employers face with potential tampering associated with other testing methods.
Accessible Testing Nationwide and Locally in Hustisford, WI
With a network of testing centers spread nationwide, accessing testing services is seamless and convenient. This widespread availability underscores our commitment to providing efficient and hassle-free testing experiences.
Simplified, Confidential Test Process in Hustisford, WI
Our procedure ensures a straightforward and discreet experience from ordering to results. The emphasis on privacy addresses individual concerns, making hair follicle testing a user-friendly choice for everyone.
Competitive and Time-efficient Testing in Hustisford, WI
Our pricing strategies and swift result delivery offer companies excellent value, accommodating all business sizes. This supports businesses in maintaining budgetary balance without compromising on quality or speed.
Rapid and Dependable Testing in Hustisford, WI
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed, ensuring that substance use is reliably detected. The advanced technology used makes this method a preferred choice for timely and reliable results, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier testing solution.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in the Workplace in Hustisford, WI
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing helps employers align with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal exposure but also provides a safe and secure environment, giving employers and employees greater assurance.
