Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly considered an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When trimmed close to the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug exposure up to roughly three months prior. Hair samples are easily obtained, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp, offers 100mg—ideal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screens, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab process for reaching a drug test conclusion involves four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling of a sample upon entering a lab's system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any extra data gaps not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary substance abuse evaluation. Although Screening effectively rules out most drug use from many samples, any positive results need confirmation for legal validity. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening require further verification.
If Screening results in a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample is processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which reasons why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Medina, WI, the superior benefits of hair follicle testing over urine testing are evident. Hair testing offers better detection accuracy and is more reliable, often preferred by employers with strict no-drug policies. The extended detection timeframe of up to 90 days provides a broader view of drug use history, proving to be a more effective choice than traditional urine tests.
Medina, WI benefits greatly from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. Capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days back, it provides employers with a thorough assessment of an applicant's or employee's drug history. This comprehensive insight allows for more informed decision-making, enhancing workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
In Medina, WI, hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering. This testing method significantly lowers the chances of adulteration, ensuring reliable, unquestionable results. The inherent nature of collecting hair samples makes manipulation extremely difficult, providing a trustworthy solution for drug testing needs.
Medina, WI takes full advantage of Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network with nationwide and local testing centers. This accessibility ensures quick and stress-free testing experiences, allowing clients to easily and conveniently fulfill their drug testing needs. The proximity of facilities eliminates logistical hurdles, promoting seamless testing procedures.
The process of hair follicle testing in Medina, WI is straightforward and highly confidential. It's designed to be simple from ordering to testing and receiving results, addressing any privacy concerns. Clients can rest assured that their information remains secure and that the process is hassle-free, providing ease of use across all stages.
In Medina, WI, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle drug tests highly attractive for businesses of all sizes. The affordability and efficiency of the service ensure excellent value, enhancing peace of mind for companies concerned with maintaining their drug-free policies.
The advantages of hair follicle drug tests in Medina, WI are notable for their high precision and swift results. These tests excel in detecting substances with high accuracy, presenting a reliable alternative to more conventional testing methods. The swift turnaround times and reliable outcomes ensure that substances are accurately detected, providing peace of mind to both employers and individuals.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Medina, WI grants employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies and offers peace of mind. This method helps mitigate legal risks and strengthens workplace safety initiatives. Employers can confidently enforce zero-tolerance policies, assured of accurate drug use assessments throughout the workforce.