Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can grant a detection period of up to around 90 days for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verifying. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Measuring the sample weight on a jeweler's scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, a similar volume of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, we mean only scalp hair, whereas body hair includes other types (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test sample include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This process entails confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data that an electronic chain of custody system does not automatically provide.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples showing a preliminary positive result during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If initial Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, substances are drawn from hair at a notably lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Every sample that tests presumptively positive undergoes washing before Confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eagle, WI Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy when compared to traditional urine tests. Employers and professionals choose it for its reliability and longer detection window, making it an ideal choice for systematic drug screening policies, providing a comprehensive look back at an individual's substance use over time.
Extended Detection Window in Eagle, WI A hair follicle test can track substance usage over an impressive term of up to 90 days. This longer detection period provides employers with a more detailed view of an employee's drug history, allowing well-informed decisions regarding hiring and ongoing employment, especially for environments requiring high safety standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eagle, WI One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistant nature. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced since hair samples are directly observed during collection, ensuring genuine and indisputable results crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eagle, WI Our network of nationwide testing centers offers unmatched convenience, allowing quick and easy access to services. With local sites available, residents and companies in Eagle can utilize hassle-free hair follicle testing, ensuring continuity and efficiency in meeting their testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Eagle, WI The process for ordering, executing, and retrieving hair follicle test results is straightforward and respects privacy. From start to finish, participants can trust in the confidentiality of our system, addressing any concerns related to privacy while providing seamless user experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eagle, WI Our competitive pricing offers significant value for businesses of all sizes, paired with a fast turnaround time. Companies can efficiently budget for testing while benefiting from rapid results, ensuring they maintain comprehensive and timely substance monitoring within their organizations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eagle, WI Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their high precision and ability to quickly detect substance use. Substantial accuracy in identifying drug use makes these tests a go-to option for employers and institutions seeking reliable results. The swift processing ensures timely information, crucial for workplace or legal decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eagle, WI Implementing hair follicle testing ensures alignment with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing legal standing and workplace safety. Employers can enjoy reduced legal risks and foster a secure environment, knowing their drug screening processes are robust and compliant with contemporary standards.
