Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. If taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair samples is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands close to the scalp (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness), yields about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation stages. In cases involving EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It’s recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, a similar volume of body hair might be used. When specifying head hair, it exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the starting steps of integrating a sample into a laboratory system. This phase verifies the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, allocates a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills out any supplemental data that's absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial, economical method to identify drugs of misuse. Although Screening is efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result demands further confirmation for legal acceptability. All samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require formal confirmation.
For samples presumptive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging to execute.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before Confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed if necessary. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certifies compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests reveals several advantages. In Saratoga, WI, hair analysis is valued for its superior detection period and accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a more reliable way to uncover drug use, with evidence lasting up to 90 days. This enhanced detection capability and the challenges involved in tampering with these tests ensure more reliable outcomes.
In Saratoga, WI, employers gain a comprehensive perspective on substance use through hair follicle testing. These tests detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days, offering a clear picture of a person's substance history. This prolonged detection window allows employers to make informed hiring and retention decisions, addressing potential concerns regarding an applicant or employee's past behavior.
Hair tests significantly mitigate tampering risks in Saratoga, WI. In contrast to other methods, these tests offer unquestionable reliability due to the difficulty in altering samples. The collection process ensures integrity, providing results that can be trusted without the common concerns of adulteration associated with other testing types. This makes hair follicle tests a dependable choice for identifying substance use.
With testing centers located nationwide, including in Saratoga, WI, the accessibility of hair follicle testing is unparalleled. Clients can enjoy the convenience of quick and easy access to testing facilities, eliminating the hassle of extensive travel. This broad network ensures that services are available whenever needed, providing a seamless testing experience.
The hair follicle testing process in Saratoga, WI, is both straightforward and private. Clients can confidently order, complete the test, and receive results with ease, ensuring their privacy is respected throughout. This streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns while maintaining simplicity, making it an ideal choice for those seeking confidentiality in drug testing.
Offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Saratoga, WI, provides excellent value. With swift turnaround times, companies can expect cost-effective services that deliver peace of mind. Affordable options make it a viable solution for businesses of all sizes, ensuring timely and economically sound access to dependable drug testing services.
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness in Saratoga, WI. These tests provide high accuracy when identifying substance use, making them a preferred option. With their quick results, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions promptly. The advanced technology used ensures that the detection of drugs is reliable, contributing to the trusted reputation of hair tests.
Employers in Saratoga, WI, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing to adhere to drug-free workplace regulations. Implementing these tests helps ensure compliance, reducing legal liabilities and promoting workplace safety. Accurate and reliable results contribute to maintaining an environment free of substance abuse, enhancing overall organizational productivity and security.
