Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly gained recognition as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair holds a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use, capturing biomarkers within the strands of newly forming hair. When the hair sample is taken near the scalp, it offers a detection time frame of approximately up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are straightforward to obtain, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches involving roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp will amount to 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In case scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When addressing head hair, the reference is to scalp hair exclusively, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process involves verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift examination for illicit substances. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample displays a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and set up for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in McKinley, WI
Hair follicle testing significantly surpasses traditional urine tests. While urine tests only reveal recent drug use, hair tests trace substances over three months, offering a thorough assessment of an individual's drug history. Employers benefit from this extended window, receiving a comprehensive and detailed report, bolstering their recruitment decisions.
Extended Detection Window in McKinley, WI
The ability to detect drug use over an extended period is a hallmark of hair follicle testing. It provides a 90-day retrospective analysis, painting a detailed picture of an individual's substance history. Employers seeking thorough evaluations of applicants or team members significantly benefit from this extensive detection window.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in McKinley, WI
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly minimizing sample adulteration risks, they deliver reliable and unquestionable results, vital for ensuring integrity in the drug testing process. This resistance to tampering provides peace of mind to employers and regulatory bodies alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in McKinley, WI
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures accessible, quick, and hassle-free testing services. From McKinley to other locales, clients can conveniently locate and access facilities, benefiting from streamlined processes that prioritize client needs and logistical ease.
Simple, Confidential Process in McKinley, WI
Ensuring a straightforward and confidential process is paramount for hair follicle testing in McKinley. This simplicity extends from ordering to obtaining results, addressing privacy concerns while offering ease of use. Clients experience a seamless procedure, emphasizing confidentiality and client trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in McKinley, WI
Our competitive pricing paired with swift turnaround times provides exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. These affordable options ensure quick, efficient results, offering companies peace of mind and significant cost savings, while maintaining high standards in drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in McKinley, WI
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise outcomes, crucial for discerning substance usage. Leveraging advanced technology, these tests are renowned for their accuracy in detection, enabling rapid identification of drug use with minimal room for error. Ensuring reliable results conveys a significant advantage in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in McKinley, WI
Employers leveraging hair follicle testing assure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach diminishes potential legal risks while fostering a secure and safe working environment. Implementing these tests upholds company standards, safeguarding both employees and the institution's reputation.
