Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for revealing drug and alcohol consumption. It captures long-term markers of alcohol and drugs within the strands of hair as they grow. When sampling close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for nearly a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is an alternative. By head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. It involves verifying the sample's secure sealing and correct shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift drug abuse assessment. While it is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most instances, any positive found must be verified for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
For a sample presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial batch for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at notably lesser concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the assessment is performed on the hair strand, not on the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Parkland, WI
The advantages of hair follicle testing over conventional urine testing are evident through its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a broader detection window, giving a more reliable overview of an individual’s substance use. The enhanced reliability ensures that employers and officials receive a comprehensive understanding, making it a preferred choice for many organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Parkland, WI
With the capability to identify drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days, hair follicle tests offer a valuable insight into an individual's substance history. This extensive window allows employers to assess past behavior, providing a detailed look into potential employee or applicant drug use, creating a more informed hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Parkland, WI
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-proof option for drug screenings, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This secure method ensures results are credible and can be trusted, as tampering with hair samples is significantly more challenging compared to the possibilities associated with urine tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Parkland, WI
Offering accessible hair testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Parkland, provides convenience to those undergoing tests. This extensive network ensures that individuals experience a smooth and efficient process, with minimal inconvenience, supporting both employers and individuals in maintaining a drug-free community.
Simple, Confidential Process in Parkland, WI
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test is streamlined and confidential, addressing concerns about privacy. This straightforward approach ensures that individuals can complete the testing with ease, receiving necessary information without undue stress or procedural complexity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Parkland, WI
Employers benefit from competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times associated with hair follicle tests. This economic efficiency offers excellent value, ensuring businesses of all sizes can implement effective substance use policies without financial strain, supported by timely and accurate test results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Parkland, WI
Hair follicle drug testing is celebrated for its precision and quick processing timelines, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. The method’s high sensitivity allows for thorough identification of drug intake, delivering reliable information that supports decision-making processes for employers and substance abuse professionals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Parkland, WI
Adopting hair follicle testing can help ensure compliance with workplace drug policies. By utilizing this reliable method, employers minimize legal liabilities and enhance workplace safety, knowing that they are taking the necessary steps to uphold a drug-free environment, crucial for both safety and productivity.
