Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline by preserving biomarkers in the hair's growing strands. A sample taken close to the roots can reveal drug or alcohol use over roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A standard hair sample, measuring 1.5 inches and around 200 strands in thickness (similar to a #2 pencil), provides 100mg of hair—ideal for testing and verification. For detailed panels such as EtG or those exceeding 10 categories, 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight is advisable. If head hair is insufficient, equivalent body hair can be used. Here, head hair denotes specifically scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing route for drug testing involves four core phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase integrates the sample into the lab system, ensuring it’s properly sealed and dispatched, assigning an LAB (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any pending data entries absent in an electronic tracking system.
Screening offers an initial cost-effective review for illicit substances, helping dismiss drug usage in most cases. However, a positive screen requires validation for legal admittance, necessitating further verification for any positive results.
In cases of presumptive positive results post-Screening, more hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to methods such as urine or saliva tests, making this approach notably complex.
For validating any positive findings from screenings, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. Prior to confirmation, any positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire protocol, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted following strict guidelines outlined by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) under Hair designation and compliant with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually tests the hair shaft rather than the scalp-embedded follicle
In Stoddard, WI, hair follicle testing supersedes traditional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and superior reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can detect drug use over a longer period, offering a clear and comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history. The hair sample collection process is rigorous and ensures authenticity, leaving little room for error.
With an extended detection window in Stoddard, WI, hair follicle testing allows for substance usage history review up to 90 days. This long window provides a more comprehensive screening than shorter-term methods like urine tests. Employers gain a thorough understanding, aiding in the assessment of applicants or employees.
Hair follicle testing in Stoddard, WI, is a tamper-resistant method, drastically reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. Unlike other testing methods, the collection and analysis ensure undiable results. This integrity makes hair follicle tests an optimal choice for reliable drug screening.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with its extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including locations in Stoddard, WI. This accessibility guarantees quick and hassle-free access to testing services, accommodating both employers and individuals efficiently.
The confidential process for hair follicle testing in Stoddard, WI, is straightforward and user-friendly. From ordering to collection and receiving results, privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring that the entire experience remains discreet and accessible.
In Stoddard, WI, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Companies, regardless of size, can benefit from excellent value, ensuring timely and cost-effective substance testing.
In Stoddard, WI, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. Hair tests boast high accuracy in detecting substance use due to their robust analysis techniques. Moreover, speedy results ensure that decisions concerning employment and compliance can be made efficiently, enhancing employer and employee confidence.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Stoddard, WI, ensures employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Such testing reduces legal risks and enhances overall safety. By choosing trustworthy hair testing, companies secure a protected and compliant work environment, offering peace of mind.
