Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other narcotics. Collecting hair is easy, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Taking a 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG enhancements, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. Head hair pertains to scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair includes all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of processing a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is processed into a lab's system. This phase entails verifying that the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid evaluation for abusive substances. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
In instances where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. During this step, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is more challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screens is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are washed as required before confirmation. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Watterstown, WI
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests due to its higher detection accuracy and extended history tracking. With a detection window of up to 90 days, it offers a more detailed view of an individual's drug use patterns, whereas urine tests typically cover a shorter duration. The detailed insights from hair tests ensure a thorough evaluation that remains unmatched by urine analyses.
Extended Detection Window in Watterstown, WI
With the ability to trace drug usage spanning up to 90 days, hair follicle tests provide an extensive historical overview of an individual's substance activity. This prolonged detection period is invaluable for employers requiring a detailed insight into a candidate or employee's substance habits, thus supporting informed hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Watterstown, WI
Hair follicle testing stands out for its resistance to manipulation, drastically reducing the chances of sample tampering. It's a trusted method ensuring the integrity of the test results. This reliability ensures that organizations receive genuine and unalterable results, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Watterstown, WI
With a wide array of testing facilities nationwide, getting a hair follicle test in Watterstown, WI, is both easy and expedient. This widespread accessibility ensures minimal disturbance in scheduling tests, offering clients a streamlined, effective process for addressing their drug testing needs without unnecessary hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Watterstown, WI
The procedure for ordering, participating in, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and discreet. This confidentiality fosters trust among participants while addressing privacy concerns effectively. It's designed for user-friendliness, ensuring a hassle-free journey from initial contact to result acquisition.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Watterstown, WI
Our competitive pricing model, coupled with rapid result delivery, offers considerable value for companies of various sizes. The quick turnaround times ensure that businesses have timely and affordable access to vital information, supporting efficient decision-making processes and strategic operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Watterstown, WI
Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, delivering results with remarkable precision. This test's sophisticated process renders it a top choice for those seeking certified reliability. Its proficiency in providing timely and exact results significantly enhances the drug testing experience for organizations in need of confidence in their evaluations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Watterstown, WI
Utilizing hair follicle testing reinforces employers' adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal liabilities, amplifying workplace safety. Implementing such rigorous testing systems reassures employers of their compliance efforts, leading to enhanced peace of mind and operational integrity.
