Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a strong means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a detailed history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 strands of hair (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. The term "head hair" exclusively pertains to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for analyzing a drug test outcome consist of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial handling of a specimen upon its entry to a lab. This step involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positive results in Screening call for further verification.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive in the Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at remarkably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is the most sophisticated method.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle present beneath the scalp.
In Marcellon, WI, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine testing. By providing a superior detection period, these tests offer enhanced accuracy and reliability that traditional tests cannot match.
Employers in Marcellon, WI, gain valuable insights from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. It effectively tracks substance use up to 90 days, providing a thorough view of employee behavior.
In Marcellon, WI, hair follicle tests emerge as a tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing chances of sample adulteration. This leads to results that are both reliable and unchallengeable.
With numerous locations in Marcellon, WI, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward. The widespread availability of centers ensures convenience and efficiency for all clients.
In Marcellon, WI, the hair follicle testing procedure is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Users can easily order, test, and receive results without worry.
Marcellon, WI, benefits from our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing, ensuring organizations receive excellent value while maintaining peace of mind.
Marcellon, WI benefits from the fast and accurate results provided by hair follicle drug tests. These tests excel in precision and speed, offering high accuracy in substance use detection.
Employers in Marcellon, WI, find comfort in the compliance assurance offered by hair follicle testing. This process supports drug-free workplace initiatives and mitigates legal liabilities.
