Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term history of alcohol and other substances by incorporating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, nearly impossible to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches composed of around 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it implies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be acceptable in legal settings. Any samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chaseburg, WI
Hair testing provides superior benefits compared to urine tests. The high detection accuracy of hair samples ensures reliable results, beating traditional methods.
Hair tests capture a longer detection window than urine tests. This makes them highly effective for employers who wish to adhere to zero-tolerance policies, minimizing the possibility of undetected substance use over time.
Extended Detection Window in Chaseburg, WI
The ability of hair follicle testing to trace substance use for up to 90 days is a significant advantage. It offers employers a thorough view of an individual's drug history.
This long detection period is beneficial in maintaining workplace safety and ensuring that all employees remain substance-free, reflecting well on an organization's commitment to employee health.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chaseburg, WI
Hair follicle tests present a formidable barrier to tampering. This method greatly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy results.
Employers can rely on the integrity of hair tests to ensure compliance with drug policies, protecting their workplace from the challenges posed by drug abuse.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chaseburg, WI
Our extensive network of testing centers extends nationwide, offering quick and stress-free access to drug testing services for everyone.
With convenient locations in Chaseburg, WI, we provide an easy way for employers and individuals to conduct tests, facilitating rapid and accessible service times.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chaseburg, WI
Our testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring user privacy is always prioritized.
From ordering to receiving results, our process is frictionless, safeguarding sensitive information while maintaining ease of use for all participants involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chaseburg, WI
Our competitive pricing structures ensure affordability without sacrificing quality, making hair follicle testing available for businesses of all sizes.
The quick turnaround times for results add value, allowing companies to rapidly access the information needed to make informed decisions without delay.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chaseburg, WI
Our hair follicle drug tests guarantee swift and precise outcomes. They stand out due to their remarkable accuracy, making them a top choice for detecting substance use among employees and other individuals.
With the use of hair samples, our tests show unparalleled precision, ensuring that results are both accurate and prompt. This is critical in maintaining a drug-free environment within workplaces.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chaseburg, WI
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to drug-free policies, lowering legal liabilities and promoting a safe workspace.
Employers experience peace of mind knowing their policies are supported by a robust testing method, mitigating risks related to substance use in professional settings.