Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant tool for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record, providing a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be substituted. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing into a laboratory's system, which includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial quick check for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be admissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening do require confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rochester, WI
Hair follicle testing offers benefits over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses can provide a detailed history of substance use over time, thus making it an invaluable resource for employers and legal entities aiming for precise evaluations of substance use patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Rochester, WI
Hair follicle testing is renowned for detecting drug use over extended periods, up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive analysis of a person’s drug history. This extended window is crucial for a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance habits, giving organizations the data needed for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rochester, WI
One of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering, dramatically lowering the risk of adulteration. This ensures that the results obtained are reliable and unequivocal, which is critical for courts, employers, and others who rely on precise testing results to make significant decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Rochester, WI
With testing centers situated all across the nation, we provide seamless access to testing services. This extensive network ensures that individuals and organizations can conveniently schedule and conduct tests without the hassle, leading to greater efficiency and satisfaction for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rochester, WI
Our testing process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. From the initial order to the test taking and results receiving stages, concerns about privacy are prioritized, ensuring the experience is convenient and discreet for all clients involved in the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rochester, WI
We emphasize competitive pricing strategies paired with rapid turnaround times, presenting excellent value to all business sizes. By aligning cost-effectiveness with speed, companies of every scale can benefit from our services while maintaining peace of mind about their financial commitments.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rochester, WI
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing stand out as it efficiently identifies substance use. Hair tests are designed to ensure high accuracy in result delivery, setting a standard for fast and dependable outcomes. This reliability is invaluable for organizations needing prompt and trustworthy information to maintain their operations smoothly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rochester, WI
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their employees are adhering to company policies, contributing to a more secure and productive workplace environment.
