Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. It provides a chronological record of substance exposure, capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-on panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four key stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for abused drugs. Although Screening is cost-efficient for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally valid. Any sample testing presumptively positive during Screening requires a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
To confirm any positive screening outcomes, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. All samples testing presumptively positive undergo washing if necessary before confirmation. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Patzau, WI
Hair testing has become a favored choice because of its superior detection accuracy and reliability over urine testing. It provides in-depth analysis and consistent results, making it invaluable for environments with zero tolerance for drug use. While traditional urine tests have their place, hair tests offer a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Patzau, WI
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to uncover drug usage over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days. This capability grants employers a detailed view of an individual’s drug usage patterns, surpassing the limited window other testing methods like urine provide. Such extensive detection makes it an essential tool for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Patzau, WI
The integrity of hair follicle tests lies in their design to thwart sample tampering. Unlike urine tests that can be adulterated, hair tests offer results that are difficult to dispute. This reliability is crucial for employers and legal authorities seeking credible data on substance abuse.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Patzau, WI
Our network of testing centers, spread nationwide, assures that residents and companies in Patzau, WI, enjoy quick and easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. This extensive coverage simplifies the testing process, ensuring convenience for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Patzau, WI
The process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and private. Clients value the ease with which they can secure tests and gain insights without compromising confidentiality. Our procedures cater to those sensitive to privacy concerns while maintaining accessibility.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Patzau, WI
Our pricing strategies are competitive, offering valuable services that cater to various business sizes. Clients appreciate not only the affordability but also the swift result delivery that accompanies our testing services, making it a preferred option in today's fast-paced business landscape.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Patzau, WI
Hair follicle drug testing offers remarkable speed and precision when determining substance use. Our advanced techniques ensure highly accurate results that you can trust. This method excels by accurately detecting a wide array of substances, providing a reliable picture of an individual's drug habits, a key aspect setting it apart from traditional testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Patzau, WI
Utilizing hair follicle testing enables organizations to stay compliant with drug-free workplace policies and minimizes potential legal issues. The added benefit of enhanced workplace safety gives employers peace of mind, knowing that a safer working environment is being fostered effectively.
