Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The practice of hair testing is regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair strands preserve a timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows. Obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance intake for up to a three-month period. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it's easily transportable.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering the sample into the lab's database. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drug presence. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug usage for most samples, a positive indication must be validated to stand in legal settings. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate a supplementary confirmation process.
Upon a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen undergoes Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations considerably lower than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), marking hair drug screening as a notably challenging procedure.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive outcomes from Screening. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory work, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Longwood, WI, the former is superior in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers an extended detection window of drug use, making it a preferred choice for employers wanting thorough assessments over the less consistent urine tests, which can be influenced by external factors.
Hair follicle testing in Longwood, WI offers an unprecedented detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with an in-depth understanding of an individual's substance history, offering insights into patterns over time that shorter window tests cannot match.
In Longwood, WI, hair follicle tests significantly diminish the potential for sample tampering. Their structure and implementation make it highly unlikely for individuals to alter their outcomes, offering reliable and authentic results that hold up against scrutiny.
Residents and employers in Longwood, WI benefit from our easily accessible, nationwide testing facilities. These centers guarantee a fast, straightforward, and stress-free experience, reinforcing the ease of drug screening across multiple locations, including local ones.
In Longwood, WI, the process of ordering, administering, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy, ensuring an undisclosed and efficient experience tailored to meet individual and employer needs for hassle-free drug testing.
Longwood, WI companies find value in our competitive pricing and rapid test result turnaround. Hair follicle testing with us means affordable pricing without compromising quality and peace of mind, catering to businesses of any size with timely performance.
In Longwood, WI, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests are celebrated for their high accuracy rates in detecting substance use, providing faster and more reliable results compared to other methods. This speed and exactitude facilitate prompt action for both employers and individuals.
For Longwood, WI employers, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and elevates overall workplace safety, fostering a more controlled and secure working environment.