Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Madison, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers in the hairs as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will give 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested that the specimen be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s database. This step ensures the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.

Screening is a preliminary swift check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage on most samples, any positive results need confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positive samples in Screening indeed require an additional confirmation step.

When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods.

Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, leading to more reliable results.
• Gives historical insight: Offers a usage pattern over time rather than immediate drug use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Madison, WI centers on the enhanced

• detection accuracy
• prolonged reliability

of hair tests compared to urine exams. Hair testing identifies substances long after they've been consumed, presenting a more detailed view of an individual's drug use patterns.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Madison, WI is a significant advantage of hair follicle tests. Capable of identifying drug use up to

• 90 days later

, this method offers employers a thorough perspective of an employee’s history with substances, aiding in comprehensive evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Madison, WI significantly curbs the chance of sample manipulation. Due to their

• stringent collection process
• robust defenses against adulteration

, hair follicle tests promise authentic and indisputable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Madison, WI underscore the ease of accessing our services. Our widespread network of

• testing centers

ensures quick and straightforward access, offering hassle-free testing solutions for all.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Madison, WI highlights the straightforward nature of getting tested. Ensuring

• ease of use
• privacy maintenance

, individuals enjoy a seamless experience from registration to results, preserving confidentiality throughout.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Madison, WI emphasize our commitment to value. With

• competitive rates
• swift results

, businesses of all sizes benefit from quality services that bring peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate Results in Madison, WI are achieved through hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide

• precise detection
• rapid outcomes

making them highly reliable sources for verifying substance use. The accuracy ensures that employers and institutions can trust the results, facilitating quick and informed decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Madison, WI is enhanced through hair follicle testing. By aligning with workplace drug policies, it helps

• minimize legal risks
• promote a safer work environment

, reassuring businesses of a drug-free workplace.

Drug Testing Near Madison, WI

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