Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for detecting substance use, including alcohol. Hair retains a timeline of drug and alcohol biomarkers within its growing fibers. When samples are taken from near the scalp, the detection window extends up to around three months. The collection process is straightforward, making it hard to tamper and easy to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp, yields about 100mg—an optimal sample size for inspection and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, a 150mg portion is advisable. It's suggested to weigh samples using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we refer to scalp hair specifically, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test outcome involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This process confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry that an electronic custody chain doesn't handle.
Screening is a preliminary, swift assessment for substance use. Although economical for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive screening outcome must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples that screen as presumptively positive necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted and readied for further analysis in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are gleaned from hair at lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
To confirm positive Screening outcomes, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bloomington, WI
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests boast a longer detection window, increasing their effectiveness in identifying patterns of drug use. Additionally, the process is less intrusive and provides an advantage in environments requiring stringent drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Bloomington, WI
With hair follicle testing, detection extends up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history. This extended window is invaluable for gaining insights into long-term behavior rather than recent use alone, providing a broader context for evaluating an employee or applicant's history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bloomington, WI
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the likelihood of sample tampering, providing reliable and definitive outcomes. This method's strict collection protocols reinforce its security, ensuring the validity of the sample and the accuracy of its results, thereby enhancing confidence in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bloomington, WI
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees seamless access to drug testing services across the nation. This local presence ensures that Bloomington residents can swiftly and easily undertake hair follicle tests, streamlining the process and eliminating geographic hurdles for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bloomington, WI
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, every step is designed to respect privacy. This approach addresses concerns about discretion and accessibility, making it simple for users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bloomington, WI
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for our hair follicle tests, presenting excellent value for businesses of various sizes. This ensures both affordability and prompt delivery of results, empowering companies to proceed with confidence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bloomington, WI
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its precision, providing fast and reliable results. This method ensures high accuracy, making it an ideal choice for detecting substance use. The meticulous nature of hair testing helps maintain the integrity of results, thus supporting sound decision-making in various settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bloomington, WI
Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal risks and boosting workplace safety. This method enhances confidence for employers by verifying compliance and preventative measures regarding substance use, generating peace of mind.
