Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This method utilizes hair's ability to capture biomarkers within its growing strands, offering a retrospective view of substance use over months. By taking a sample near the scalp, it can reveal about a 3-month history of drug and alcohol intake. This process is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for both initial screening and confirmation tests. When conducting tests for EtG or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure this specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Note that when mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating the sample into the lab's system. This step confirms that the sample’s packaging and shipment were intact, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and ensures all required data is entered that isn’t delivered through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. While the screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in most cases, any positive findings must be corroborated for court acceptance. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
When a screening returns a presumptive positive, further analysis occurs by extracting additional hair from the initial sample. Here, drugs are extracted at a substantially lower concentration than methods such as urine or oral fluid analysis, making hair tests particularly challenging.
Any positive results from the initial screen are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive specimens undergo pre-confirmation washing, when necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes rigorous review following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on examining the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Steuben, WI, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering unrivaled detection accuracy and dependability. Compared to urine tests, hair testing boasts a higher precision and longer detection time, ensuring thorough screening and trustworthy results.
In Steuben, WI, the hair follicle testing method is favored for its extended detection period of up to 90 days. This test grants employers a comprehensive insight into an employee’s or candidate's drug history, surpassing the temporal limitations of other methods.
Steuben, WI, relies on hair follicle testing as a tamper-resistant approach, considerably minimizing chances for sample adulteration. This method ensures that the results remain unscrutable, providing employers with reliable and trust-worthy information.
Our centers in Steuben, WI, along with nationwide facilities, offer unmatched convenience, allowing for seamless access to testing services. Whether local or elsewhere, we ensure a straightforward testing process that accommodates varied needs.
In Steuben, WI, our procedures are straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns and assuring users of a simple and secure testing process, from order placement to result receipt.
We advocate for competitive pricing in Steuben, WI, promising affordable testing paired with quick result delivery. Our approach guarantees outstanding value and peace of mind for businesses irrespective of their size.
The meticulous hair follicle drug tests provide rapid, dependable outcomes in Steuben, WI, distinguishing their high precision in identifying substance use. These tests are designed to accurately assess drug presence, ensuring that results are not only swift but exceptionally reliable.
Employers in Steuben, WI benefit from hair follicle testing as it fosters adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities while improving employee safety and security through compliant drug screening.
