Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair holds a prolonged history of imbibing substances by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing fibers. When clipped near the scalp, hair can present up to a roughly 3-month span for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of about 200 hairs (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be used. In mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases involved in laboratory drug test result processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid detection of illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out most drug use, a positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate supplemental confirmation.
In the case of a preliminary positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample to be readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screens is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior in Racine, WI
Hair follicle testing boasts significant advantages over traditional urine testing. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and institutions are increasingly adopting hair testing due to its comprehensive ability to identify long-term drug use, ensuring a drug-free work environment and better compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Racine, WI
Hair follicle testing allows drug detection over a period of up to 90 days, which is significantly longer than urine tests. This extended window offers employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making for hiring or maintaining workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Racine, WI
Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering, providing unquestionable and reliable results. This method ensures the integrity of the test, making it a preferred choice for employers requiring accurate and secure drug testing results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Racine, WI
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local facilities in Racine, WI, ensures easy and swift access to drug testing services. Clients benefit from our efficient service, simplifying the drug testing process with minimal hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Racine, WI
The hair follicle testing process is both simple and ensures confidentiality. From the moment of ordering to receiving results, privacy is maintained, addressing concerns while keeping the procedure straightforward and discreet for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Racine, WI
We offer competitive pricing structures along with a swift turnaround time. Companies of all sizes benefit from excellent service value, reinforcing their investment with top-notch drug testing and quicker access to results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Racine, WI
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them an excellent choice. They provide high accuracy for detecting substance use, delivering fast results without compromising on reliability. This efficiency in testing is crucial for businesses and institutions prioritizing timely and accurate drug screening.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Racine, WI
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists in maintaining drug-free policies, reducing legal risks, and enhancing safety in the workplace. This method offers employers peace of mind through ensured compliance and a safer working environment.
