Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Through time, hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical archive for alcohol and other drugs, capturing indicators in the fibers of its growing strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. It's easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to ship.
A collection of about 200 strands, measuring 1.5 inches and resembling the size of a #2 pencil, closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional screening, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The standardized steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial laboratory system processing. It includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry gaps not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Though Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives need secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drug extraction occurs at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation follows any positive Screening result, employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before necessary confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Pensaukee, WI, hair follicle testing significantly surpasses traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests boast unparalleled accuracy in detection, picking up substances that might otherwise go unnoticed. This thoroughness ensures superior reliability, giving employers the confidence they need in their hiring and monitoring processes while minimizing the risk of false negatives.
Pensaukee, WI employers benefit from the extended detection window that hair follicle testing provides, capturing drug use for up to 90 days. This long-term insight offers a comprehensive view into an individual’s substance history, surpassing the capabilities of other testing methods. Such detailed historical data helps employers maintain a clear perspective on potential or existing employee behaviors related to drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Pensaukee, WI, is known for its tamper-resistant nature, critically reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This secure method ensures results are both trustworthy and irrefutable. With hair samples being more difficult to contaminate or substitute than urine, this testing approach offers peace of mind with uncompromised and credible data.
Pensaukee, WI residents benefit from the convenience of nationwide network testing locations, including local availability. Our vast reach offers swift and hassle-free access to drug-testing services, ensuring that both individuals and employers can undertake necessary steps with ease. This widespread accessibility supports timely drug screening processes efficiently.
The process of hair follicle testing in Pensaukee, WI, is both straightforward and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, steps are designed to respect privacy while maintaining ease of use. The confidentiality of this method addresses privacy concerns, ensuring individuals feel secure throughout the testing journey without any unnecessary complications.
Pensaukee, WI, businesses will find that the pricing for hair follicle testing remains competitive, offering excellent value. Fast turnaround times mean that companies of all sizes can rely on prompt and accurate results without incurring substantial costs. This affordable approach reaffirms the value of comprehensive and reliable drug testing solutions.
In Pensaukee, WI, hair follicle drug tests have gained a reputation for their rapid and reliable results. These tests not only detect substance use with high precision but also deliver quick outcomes, ensuring individuals and employers receive timely information. The accuracy and speed of hair follicle tests make them an invaluable tool in maintaining drug-free environments without compromising response times.
For employers in Pensaukee, WI, hair follicle testing provides assurance through enhanced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only aligns with stringent legal standards but also reduces potential legal risks. Ensuring a drug-free environment enhances safety and productivity, giving companies peace of mind in their operations and staffing choices.