Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for substances like alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to collect, challenging to alter, and straightforward to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches involving around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for initial screening and result verification. For EtG, additional tests, or when conducting tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, the collection of an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively pertains to scalp hair. Body hair, however, denotes any other hair types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift inspection for substance abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates verification to be legally valid. All samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positive results are rinsed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing in Union Center, WI, stands out against traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for many employers. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a deeper insight into substance use, ensuring a meticulous examination.
The prolonged detection window offered by hair follicle testing is a distinct advantage in Union Center, WI. Capable of uncovering drug use up to 90 days back, it affords employers a comprehensive outlook on a candidate’s substance history. This extended window makes hair testing indispensable for informed decision-making.
In Union Center, WI, hair follicle testing is valued for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures unquestionable results, offering confidence to employers in the integrity of the drug testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing provides unparalleled convenience with nationwide and local testing centers in Union Center, WI. This widespread accessibility ensures that individuals and employers easily access testing services, fostering a hassle-free experience that meets the needs of all clients promptly.
In Union Center, WI, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each step ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns related to discretion while maintaining a streamlined approach for users.
Accredited Drug Testing in Union Center, WI, offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, providing exceptional value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable options and timely results, enhancing peace of mind through cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on quality.
In Union Center, WI, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy, offering quick results without compromising precision. These tests can detect substance use with high accuracy, ensuring employers receive reliable information promptly. With superior detection technology, hair tests provide timely and dependable results.
Employers in Union Center, WI, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing due to its role in maintaining compliance with drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, yielding peace of mind for organizations that prioritize a safe, drug-free environment.
