Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures long-term drug and alcohol history by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. It is easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, serving as the prime sample for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, or examinations beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If head hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning integrates the sample initially into a lab's system. It entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary quick examination for drug abuse. While it economically rules out drug use for most samples, a positive screening result requires verification to be valid in legal proceedings. Any sample with a presumptive positive result in Screening mandates secondary confirmation.
A presumptive positive sample in the Screening process has more hair taken from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests," this test actually assesses the hair strand and not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Woodford, WI, offers a distinct advantage over urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Employers looking for comprehensive drug testing methods favor hair tests, which can identify substance use patterns more effectively.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Woodford, WI, offers employers a more comprehensive look at an individual’s drug history.
This extended detection period allows companies to gain insights into an individual's long-term substance use habits.
The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Woodford, WI, ensuring reliable and indisputable results.
This method's tamper-resistant nature bolsters the integrity of the drug testing process for all stakeholders.
Our array of nationwide testing centers, including local ones in Woodford, WI, ensure quick, easy access to hair follicle testing services.
With convenient locations, individuals and employers can count on a hassle-free testing experience without delays.
In Woodford, WI, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, safeguarding personal privacy at every step.
The ease of ordering, collecting, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns efficiently.
Woodford, WI, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing, providing excellent value for companies of varying sizes.
This approach ensures both affordability and prompt results, benefiting organizations and their workforce.
In Woodford, WI, hair follicle tests provide results that are both fast and reliable, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance abuse.
The precision of hair testing distinguishes it from traditional methods, offering unmatched confidence in test outcomes.
Employers in Woodford, WI, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with zero-tolerance workplace policies.
Using this method can minimize legal liabilities and enhance workplace safety by maintaining a drug-free environment.
