Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely acknowledged as an invaluable method for detecting substance use, including both drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When harvested near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and validation. For additional EtG, add-on tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's suggested to use 150mg of the hair. A jeweler’s scale can be used to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent amounts of body hair can be used. References to 'head hair' mean scalp hair exclusively. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing lab procedure consists of four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial entry into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and mailed appropriately, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completes any data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary, efficient drug check. Though Screening is cost-efficient for disproving drug use in most samples, court-admissibility requires positive screens to undergo Confirmation. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For any sample presumed positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Examination. This phase extracts drugs from hair at lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), complicating hair drug screening compared to other techniques.
Confirmation of positive screenings is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. Any presumptive positives get washed before Confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, holds both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the analysis is conducted on hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in South Superior, WI:
Comparing hair follicle and urine tests reveals clear benefits. Hair testing offers a detection period of up to 90 days, far surpassing urine's 3-day window. This extensive detection capability makes it a superior choice for employers seeking thorough insights into an individual’s substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in South Superior, WI:
Employing hair follicle testing allows for a longer detection window of drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This expanded timeframe provides employers with a more detailed view of an individual's substance usage over time, which is critical in making informed decisions about potential employees or monitoring current staff.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Superior, WI:
The hair follicle test method reduces the risk of sample tampering substantially. Since the process involves collecting hair directly from the subject and difficult to alter post-collection, the results are trustworthy and difficult to dispute, ensuring integrity in testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Centers in South Superior, WI:
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures that services are accessible without trouble. This vast reach facilitates quick and easy access to necessary tests, offering convenience for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Superior, WI:
We offer a straightforward and private process for ordering, conducting, and receiving your drug test results. This ensures that clients experience a seamless testing procedure while assuring them of their confidentiality throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Results in South Superior, WI:
Affordable testing options coupled with fast turnaround times set us apart. With competitive pricing, we deliver significant value while providing clients with peace of mind, making this service an attractive option for businesses of various sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in South Superior, WI:
The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests stand unmatched. Not only do they provide high accuracy in identifying substance use, but they also ensure that the results are swift and dependable. Hair testing's ability to detect a broad spectrum of drugs quickly makes it an ideal choice for both individuals and organizations needing timely information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Superior, WI:
Hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal concerns while bolstering workplace security. As a reliable testing option, it offers the added reassurance of maintaining a safe and compliant professional environment.
