Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair offers a long-term history of alcohol and other drugs. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to approximately 3 months. Hair is easy to collect, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample within a lab system. This step entails checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick preliminary test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive screens require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that screen positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample screens positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is washed as needed before confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lime Ridge, WI, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests primarily due to its broader detection range and reliability. While urine tests may detect recent drug use, hair tests unveil usage over a prolonged period, offering insights that urine tests miss. This superior detection ability is crucial for employers and courts focused on maintaining drug-free environments.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window in Lime Ridge, WI, capturing drug use data up to 90 days prior. This prolonged timeframe empowers employers to trace an individual’s substance history thoroughly, making informed employment decisions. By revealing long-term usage patterns, hair testing offers a more accurate picture than other testing methods.
In Lime Ridge, WI, tamper-resistant testing is achieved through hair follicle analysis, which substantially minimizes the chance of altering samples. The method’s inherent design makes it nearly impossible to adulterate, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and dependable for all stakeholders relying on authentic outcomes.
In Lime Ridge, WI, we offer convenient nationwide testing locations, facilitating quick access to services. This extensive network simplifies the testing process for clients by providing local sites, ensuring that individuals and employers benefit from seamless, hassle-free testing procedures no matter their location.
Our process in Lime Ridge, WI is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are straightforward, emphasizing privacy and ease of use. Individuals can trust that their information is handled discreetly, making the testing experience smooth and unobtrusive.
In Lime Ridge, WI, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround on hair follicle testing. Our competitive prices provide significant value for employers of all sizes, while swift result delivery ensures timely responses, making our services both cost-effective and highly efficient.
Hair follicle drug tests in Lime Ridge, WI, are known for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of the results stems from detecting even the smallest traces of substances, ensuring that users can't easily circumvent the test. Additionally, these tests provide quick turnaround times, enabling faster decision-making processes for employers and organizations reliant on timely and exact data.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Lime Ridge, WI provides employers with compliance and peace of mind by supporting drug-free workplace policies. This method curtails legal challenges and enhances safety by offering reliable substance abuse insights, reinforcing employers' commitment to a secure and healthy work environment.
