Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair for drug and alcohol testing has become recognized as highly effective. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fiber as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, it can reflect alcohol and drug consumption over roughly a 90-day period. Hair samples are easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
For an optimum screening and verification, a 1.5-inch hair sample containing about 200 strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred amount. For evaluations exceeding 10 panels or for EtG add-ons, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair may suffice. Note that head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types like facial or underarm hair.
Process Summary
The primary stages in lab processing of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab’s system, including confirmation that it was sealed and sent correctly, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data input lacking in an electronic custody trail.
Screening offers a swift preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Although it's a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most cases, results deemed positive require confirmatory testing for legal validation. Samples with apparent positive results in Screening necessitate a further confirmation phase.
Should Screening return a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is subjected to Extraction. In this phase, drug substances are isolated from the hair, typically at lower levels than in other methods (such as urine or saliva), making hair analysis a complex procedure to perform.
Confirmation of any Screening positives employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive samples undergo a cleansing step before Confirmation as mandated. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Clarification: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses solely on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the battle of hair vs urine tests in Keystone, WI, hair follicle testing stands out for superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair samples offer a longer detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for employers who want a clearer picture of an individual's drug history.
Hair follicle testing in Keystone, WI offers an extensive detection window, capable of identifying drug use within up to 90 days. Employers benefit from a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in more informed hiring and management decisions.
Employers in Keystone, WI can rely on hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, hair specimens are harder to adulterate, ensuring the integrity of the results and providing a trustworthy assessment of an individual's drug use.
With Accredited Drug Testing, Keystone, WI, residents have access to a network of convenient nationwide testing locations. This broad accessibility ensures that testing for drugs is a hassle-free process, offering immediate resources both locally and across the country.
In Keystone, WI, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From order placement to test completion and results delivery, privacy is respected at every stage, addressing any concerns about personal data and facilitating user-friendly experiences.
Testing services in Keystone, WI, are competitively priced and efficiently delivered, with fast turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that companies of all sizes can access high-quality testing services without breaking the bank, reinforcing value through efficient service models.
Keystone, WI, benefits from the precision of hair follicle testing, providing fast and reliable results. This method is highly accurate in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice for many organizations. The speed with which results are delivered ensures quick decision-making and enhances workflow efficiency.
For companies in Keystone, WI, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by promoting compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Implementing these tests reduces legal risks and contributes to a safer work environment, aligning with organizational values of safety and accountability.
