Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. This is because hair retains a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol use by embedding the biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reflect approximately three months of drug and alcohol activity. Hair collection is straightforward, reasonably tamper-resistant, and convenient for transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and consisting of around 200 strands (about the size of a pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG assessments, additional analyses, or testing panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is preferable. It's advised to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an analogous quantity of body hair may be obtained. References to head hair exclusively indicate scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab process for evaluating a drug test includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's framework. This entails checking that the sample is sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial examination aimed at identifying drug abuse. While this is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be validated for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
In instances where a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The overall lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the assessment concerns the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Seneca, WI is evident through its advanced detection capabilities. With a superior detection accuracy, hair testing proves to be more reliable than conventional urine tests. The comprehensive nature of hair tests offers significant benefits, providing better insights into substance usage history.
Extended Detection Window in Seneca, WI adds immense value through its 90-day drug detection capability. Hair follicle tests yield a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history, giving employers a clear overview of any applicant or employee's potential drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Seneca, WI is a hallmark of hair follicle testing, drastically minimizing sample manipulation risks. This testing method guarantees reliable and unquestionable outcomes, a crucial factor for employers requiring authentic data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including those in Seneca, WI, ensure accessibility and ease. The presence of testing centers nationwide facilitates prompt and effective access to services, removing barriers to essential drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Seneca, WI ensures privacy and ease, addressing customer concerns effectively. From ordering to results, hair follicle testing procedures uphold confidentiality and straightforwardness for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Seneca, WI are key advantages. Competitive pricing structures paired with swift result processing provide immense value, making it an excellent choice for organizations of varied sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Seneca, WI are critical in ensuring trust and efficiency in drug testing. Hair follicle drug tests boast high precision in unearthing substance use, providing timely and dependable results. The speed and accuracy of these results become pivotal for employers seeking accurate data to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Seneca, WI is achieved through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal exposure, these tests enhance safety and foster a more secure work environment.
