Hair Follicle Drug Testing - West Bend, WI

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair serves as a long-term record of intoxicants by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for substances extending up to roughly 90 days. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A length of 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically indicates scalp hair, while "body hair" covers other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the first step, integrating a sample into the lab's system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, court-admissible results require confirmation of any positive screen. Any samples presumed positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.

When a sample is presumed positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the primary specimen for Extraction. In this step, drugs are withdrawn from hair at far lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging technique to conduct.

The verification of any positive screening result is completed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection frame.
• Hard to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical data provision: This method outlines a usage pattern over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis directly targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Bend, WI
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in West Bend offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can reveal drug use over a longer period, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual's history. The extended detection window and resistance to tampering make hair tests a preferred choice for many.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in West Bend, WI
Hair follicle tests provide a much longer detection period, typically up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers in West Bend to gain insights into an individual's long-term substance use, offering a clearer picture of their history compared to other testing methods that might only cover recent usage.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Bend, WI
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of adulteration, delivering reliable results that are hard to dispute. This resistance to tampering offers peace of mind to those relying on the integrity of the testing process, ensuring that outcomes are trustworthy and reflect true usage patterns.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Bend, WI
Our expansive network of testing centers, including locations in West Bend, ensures that accessing testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This convenience allows rapid and easy testing service access, fulfilling the needs of individuals and businesses alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in West Bend, WI
Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is a smooth and confidential process. In West Bend, privacy is paramount, ensuring that individuals can access services without intimidation, while maintaining confidentiality and ease every step of the way.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Bend, WI
Offering competitive pricing and speed, hair follicle testing provides exceptional value for businesses in West Bend. The fast turnaround times, combined with affordability, make it an appealing choice for companies seeking efficiency and reliability in their testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Bend, WI
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and rapid results. It excels in accurately identifying substance use compared to other methods. This accuracy is essential for providing confidence in test outcomes, ensuring that results reflect the true substance use history. Quick and reliable, hair testing offers a robust solution.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Bend, WI
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies enhances compliance with drug-free initiatives. This testing method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, thus providing employers the assurance that policies are being effectively enforced.

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