Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term use history by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, reasonably resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil size) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a corresponding amount of body hair may be gathered. Reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in a lab’s drug testing procedure include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's preliminary processing into the lab's system, ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift inspection for drugs. While screening is a cost-efficient strategy to potentially rule out drug usage for most samples, any positive screenings must be confirmed to be judicially acceptable. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Postive screening confirmation is via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", these assessments scrutinize the hair shaft, not the underlying follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Spruce, WI
Comparing hair and urine tests reveals significant advantages in detection accuracy and reliability for hair testing. Hair tests pick up on a broader spectrum of substances over more extended periods, ensuring a comprehensive view of an individual's history and reducing the likelihood of substitution or tampering.
Extended Detection Window in Spruce, WI
One of the most compelling reasons to opt for hair follicle testing in Spruce is its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. Unlike urine tests that capture recent usage, hair testing provides a long-term view of an individual's substance use, making it invaluable for employers seeking deeper insights.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Spruce, WI
Hair follicle tests dramatically cut down the chances of sample tampering. This robust testing method delivers results that are both reliable and difficult to contest, providing clarity and confidence for employers and administrators conducting drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Spruce, WI
With our broad network of testing centers, accessibility to hair follicle testing in Spruce is a breeze. These strategically located sites ensure a seamless, hassle-free experience, providing easy access for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Spruce, WI
Engage in a straightforward and private process for ordering, performing, and obtaining results for hair follicle tests in Spruce. This approach addresses privacy concerns, making drug testing a unobtrusive experience, satisfying both individuals' and businesses’ needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Spruce, WI
Our hair follicle testing services in Spruce offer budget-friendly pricing and swift turnaround times. This combination promises exceptional value for organizations, irrespective of size, delivering timely results without straining financial resources.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Spruce, WI
The precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests in Spruce are unmatched. These tests boast superior accuracy, identifying substance use efficiently. Their swift processing ensures that individuals and organizations receive dependable results promptly, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Spruce, WI
Employers can achieve peace of mind using hair follicle tests to enforce drug-free policies. These tests foster a safer working environment by aligning with compliance standards, thereby minimizing legal liabilities and cultivating a secure and productive workplace.