Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers of alcohol and other substances within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a comprehensive historical record. When sourced near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp is required to obtain 100 mg, which is the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, 150 mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. Reference to head hair indicates scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in processing a drug test outcome in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab's system. This encompasses validating that the specimen was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not documented by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Screening offers an economical means to eliminate drug use in the majority of cases; however, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be accepted in judicial proceedings. Any samples with preliminary positive results require secondary confirmation.
If a specimen is indicated as positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from the hair at substantially lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive Screening result is finalized using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive specimens undergo washing as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often incorrectly used, as the actual analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Schleswig, WI shows significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Its ability to detect longer-term drug use provides a more accurate picture of an individual's history, whereas urine tests often miss intermittent drug use.
Unlike urine testing, which offers a limited detection window, hair tests can track drug presence for up to 90 days, enhancing detection accuracy and ensuring a reliable representation of substance habits.
In Schleswig, WI, hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This feature is invaluable for employers seeking a full understanding of an employee's substance use over time.
By covering a more extended period, hair tests offer a broader perspective on substance habits, informing hiring and monitoring decisions more comprehensively than short-term alternatives like urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in Schleswig, WI provide a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing needs. The integrity of hair sampling significantly reduces the likelihood of adulteration or substitution, ensuring reliable results.
Unlike other methods, where sample manipulation can compromise outcomes, hair tests maintain their integrity from collection to analysis, empowering stakeholders with confidence in the findings.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience for Schleswig, WI residents through nationwide and local locations. Our widespread testing network allows easy access to services, minimizing any hassle associated with the testing process.
With testing centers strategically located, individuals can quickly schedule and complete their tests locally, providing a seamless experience from start to finish.
In Schleswig, WI, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From order placement to result delivery, the procedure is designed to be hassle-free, ensuring participant privacy.
By simplifying the steps involved, individuals can participate with confidence, knowing their personal information and results are protected every step of the way.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests in Schleswig, WI, ensuring excellent value for businesses of any size.
Our efficient processes guarantee speedy results without sacrificing quality, allowing companies to make informed decisions swiftly while managing costs effectively.
Hair follicle drug testing in Schleswig, WI delivers fast and accurate results, setting a high standard for reliability in substance detection. The precision of this method ensures that even trace amounts of substances are identified, providing critical information for decision-making.
With advanced analysis techniques, hair tests swiftly detect a wide range of drugs, offering a reliable alternative to traditional testing methods. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining workplace safety standards.
For Schleswig, WI employers, hair follicle testing streamlines compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks and promoting a safe working environment.
Implementing hair testing as a standard procedure offers peace of mind by ensuring consistent enforcement of zero-tolerance drug policies, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety culture.
