Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its growing strands. When hair is clipped close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drug use. Hair is easy to collect, poses challenges for tampering, and can be shipped effortlessly.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hairs (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp is needed to obtain 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG tests, enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in a laboratory is comprised of four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is integrated into the laboratory system. It involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data that the electronic chain of custody system lacks.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective, a positive result from Screening must be validated for legal acceptance. Any samples with presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed through Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", these assessments analyze only the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Salem Lakes, WI, the benefits clearly favor hair testing. Hair tests provide enhanced detection capabilities, surpassing traditional urine tests in terms of accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can uncover substance use over a more extended period, giving employers a thorough view of an individual's drug history while minimizing errors commonly associated with urine tests.
Hair follicle testing allows employers in Salem Lakes, WI, to assess drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window provides invaluable insights into an applicant's or employee's substance history, enabling organizations to make informed decisions based on a more continuous analysis of drug use patterns.
In Salem Lakes, WI, the hair follicle test is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration. This assay provides reliable and unquestionable results, delivering peace of mind by ensuring that the tested samples remain authentic and unaltered through the entire collection and analysis process.
The convenience of nationwide testing centers, including those local to Salem Lakes, WI, makes hair drug testing services easily accessible. Individuals and organizations benefit from quick and hassle-free service locations that streamline the testing process, offering seamless access to essential drug testing services with minimal inconvenience.
In Salem Lakes, WI, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring that those who participate feel secure about their privacy. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step emphasizes ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns and guaranteeing a straightforward experience.
Salem Lakes, WI, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests, making them an attractive option for companies of all sizes. This affordability, coupled with rapid result delivery, ensures that organizations receive excellent value while maintaining peace of mind regarding their drug testing procedures.
The hair follicle drug test offers unmatched accuracy and prompt results for substance use detection in Salem Lakes, WI. This method excels in precision, providing users with highly reliable outcomes. In comparison to other testing options, hair testing delivers rapid and consistent results, ensuring that individuals and organizations can trust the integrity and swiftness of their assessments.
Employers in Salem Lakes, WI, benefit from the assurance and compliance associated with hair follicle testing. By implementing this method, organizations align with workplace drug-free policies, effectively mitigating legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. This approach fosters a secure environment where both employers and employees can confidently work together.
