Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by storing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or when testing over 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, this pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps involved in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a quick preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is a challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples that are presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the procedure evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle found under the scalp.
In Newton, WI, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The most distinct superiority lies in its ability to cover a wider detection window, extending up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter span provided by urine tests.
Reduced Tampering: Hair tests are challenging to manipulate, providing reliable results even years after sample collection. This ensures employers get a clear view of substance use patterns.
When comparing detection accuracy, hair tests deliver results that are virtually cheat-proof due to their collection method, unlike urine tests that can be easily altered with substances or dilution.
In Newton, WI, businesses benefit from the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing. Unlike urine tests, which only identify recent usage, hair tests provide insight into an individual's substance history over 90 days.
Comprehensive View: This extended window allows employers to evaluate long-term substance patterns, aiding in better hiring and management decisions.
Detailed Records: Hair testing captures a more complete record of drug use, ensuring that employers are informed about any chronic patterns, making it an essential tool in maintaining workplace safety.
In Newton, WI, hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against tampering, ensuring résultat integrity. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are inherently tamper-resistant, as the samples cannot be easily manipulated or contaminated.
Sample Security: The collection is observed, reducing opportunities for adulteration and ensuring the authenticity of the results.
Trustworthy Outcomes: With the reduced risk of adulteration, hair testing provides reliable and credible results, establishing itself as a cornerstone for trustworthy drug testing methods.
In Newton, WI, Accredited Drug Testing provides conveniently located testing centers nationwide, ensuring easy access to comprehensive drug testing.
Accessibility and Convenience: Our centers span across all major cities, making testing both accessible and efficient for all clients.
Local Presence: With locally available centers in Newton, clients can enjoy hassle-free services without extensive travel, enhancing user experience and convenience.
In Newton, WI, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, prioritizing user privacy and simplicity.
Ease of Process: From ordering to sample collection and result delivery, every step is streamlined for user convenience, minimizing any potential stress.
Guarded Privacy: Ensuring confidentiality, results are shared securely with authorized personnel only, upholding trust and peace of mind throughout the testing procedure.
In Newton, WI, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures that suit all organizational sizes while maintaining fast turnaround times.
Value for Money: Our pricing is designed to cater to businesses of different scales, providing top-tier testing without any financial strain.
Swift Turnaround: Quick processing and result delivery are prioritized, ensuring that companies can make informed decisions promptly without compromising quality or accuracy.
In Newton, WI, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. This method provides rapid and highly accurate results, ensuring efficient substance use detection.
Quick Turnaround: The technology and methodology used allow for swift processing, enabling results to be delivered in a timely manner, crucial for decision-making processes.
High Accuracy: Hair follicle testing boasts a remarkable accuracy rate, minimizing false positives and negatives, and making it a trusted choice for many organizations that prioritize reliability.
In Newton, WI, implementing hair follicle testing can ensure employer compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. This testing method minimizes legal risks, offering peace of mind.
Enhanced Workplace Safety: By choosing hair testing, employers support a secure work environment, demonstrating a serious commitment to a drug-free policy.
Legal Assurance: With its robust nature, hair testing helps companies align with legal standards, reducing potential liabilities and protecting the organization's interests.
