Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be taken. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening do require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples that are presumptively positive undergo necessary washing. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gillette, WY
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional methods like urine analysis, the benefits become abundantly clear. Hair testing offers a superior detection period and greater accuracy, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history. This effective detection capability is crucial for compliance, especially in environments demanding strict drug policies.
Hair testing has revealed itself as a reliable alternative to urine tests. By offering a wider window for detection, spanning up to 90 days, it allows employers to trust in the comprehensive results that provide a full view of past substance activity, which a shorter-term urine test might miss.
Extended Detection Window in Gillette, WY
For employers interested in a more thorough understanding of an employee's drug use history, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period of up to 90 days. This capability offers an in-depth look at substance use, moving beyond the limited scope of short-term testing methods, and provides valuable insights for decision-making processes.
Utilizing hair testing, employers gain an expanded view of potential hires or current employees' drug history. The ability to detect substances over an extended period ensures a more precise assessment, which is important for businesses aiming to maintain a safe and drug-free workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gillette, WY
Hair follicle testing is heralded for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This integrity is something employers in Gillette, WY can rely upon, as the process provides unquestionable evidence that is difficult to contest, making it an increasingly popular choice for accurate drug testing.
This security and integrity make hair testing superior to traditional methods, which may be more susceptible to manipulation. Employers benefit from having a trustworthy testing method to uphold their drug-free workplace policies, thus ensuring legal and ethical compliance with safety standards.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gillette, WY
The accessibility of our testing centers nationwide, including those in Gillette, WY, offers clients quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This vast network ensures that testing is conveniently available to anyone, anywhere, without the need for extensive travel or complicated logistics.
Our comprehensive presence across the country guarantees that individuals and employers can obtain the necessary services with minimum inconvenience. The ease of access provided by our local locations streamlines the testing process, making it a seamless experience for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gillette, WY
Navigating the drug testing process can be daunting, but we offer a simple and confidential approach in Gillette, WY. Ensuring ease of use and privacy, the process involves straightforward ordering, testing, and receiving results, allowing for discreet handling of sensitive information regarding an individual's substance use.
The streamlined nature of our services prioritizes confidentiality and simplicity. This approach minimizes stress for those involved, reinforcing trust in our procedures by respecting patient privacy and making the process easy to navigate from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gillette, WY
Competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times make our hair follicle testing services an affordable option for companies in Gillette, WY. Our commitment to delivering value ensures that businesses can access quality testing without financial strain. This balance of cost and efficiency is key to providing peace of mind and promoting widespread adoption.
Offering a fast turnaround is essential for operational efficiency. By enabling organizations to swiftly receive reliable testing results, we help maintain productivity and allow employers to make informed decisions promptly, further enhancing the value proposition for companies of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gillette, WY
In the world of substance testing, precision and speed are of utmost importance. Hair follicle drug tests excel in these areas by offering a high level of accuracy that is critical in detecting substance use effectively. They surpass other methods by delivering results that employers in Gillette, WY can trust, due to the meticulous examination process involved.
The advanced methodologies used in hair follicle testing provide a reliable solution for quick identification of drug use. This efficiency is vital for both employers and individuals who need dependable testing options, ensuring that decisions are based on thorough and accurate information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gillette, WY
Employers in Gillette can experience peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with workplace drug policies. This method reduces legal risks and promotes a safer working environment, aligning with the needs of businesses committed to upholding high safety standards.
By implementing hair testing, organizations can effectively demonstrate compliance with industry regulations. It helps strengthen workplace policies by providing robust and reliable data on substance use, underscoring an employer's commitment to safety and legal due diligence.
