Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Iron Ridge, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. The hair retains a historical record of alcohol and other substances through biomarkers embedded in its strands as they grow. When collected close to the skin surface, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 90 days for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and facilitates easy transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation processes. For testing that involves EtG extras or exceeds 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, underarm, etc.

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure of processing a drug test consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step of incorporating a sample into the laboratory system, which includes verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any supplementary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary inspection for substance abuse. Although screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that appear positive during screening require additional confirmation.

Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in Screening, excess hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lesser concentration than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), reaffirming why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies.

Any positive screening results are confirmed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating on a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing the reliability of the results.
• Offers historical insights: It can disclose usage patterns over a timeframe, unlike assessment of immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to be evident in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs than alternative drug testing methods.
• Inconsistencies in results: Variables such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth might influence the drug metabolites' concentration in hair.

Note: Despite the common reference to "hair follicle tests", this testing actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Iron Ridge, WI lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests surpass traditional urine tests by providing robust accuracy and reliability, essential factors for comprehensive substance screening. This method highlights its efficacy by identifying long-term and recurrent drug use, proving invaluable in enforcing stringent policies.

Extended Detection Window

The Extended Detection Window associated with hair follicle testing is a notable advantage in Iron Ridge, WI. It enables the detection of drug use over 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual's substance consumption trends. Employers and organizations appreciate this longer timeframe as it provides better insights into an employee's or candidate's substance use history.

Employers in Iron Ridge benefit from the amplified detection duration, which extends up to 90 days, creating a more comprehensive evaluation of substance use patterns. This extensive window of opportunity empowers businesses to make well-informed, strategic employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing is recognized for its Tamper-Resistant characteristics in Iron Ridge, WI. The method minimizes the chances of adulteration or substitution, leading to highly reliable results. This effectiveness in preventing tampering makes it the preferred choice for environments demanding accurate drug testing.

By eliminating potential manipulation risks, hair follicle tests in Iron Ridge provide consistent and uncontested results, reinforcing confidence among employers and judicial establishments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations include Iron Ridge, WI and provide accessible and streamlined services. This widespread availability removes obstacles to testing, ensuring that individuals and organizations can easily access services where they reside or operate.

With local and national testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing facilitates prompt, efficient, and hassle-free testing, making it a user-friendly option in Iron Ridge and beyond.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Iron Ridge, WI is Simple and Confidential

Accredited Drug Testing commits to maintaining user privacy and exploits a straightforward approach, making the testing process in Iron Ridge approachable and secure for all participants.