Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle a prolonged history of alcohol and substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period extending up to around three months for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered an optimal quantity for both analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary checks, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During the Accessioning phase, the sample undergoes initial processing for integration into a laboratory's system. This phase includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary assessment for potential drug use. While it serves as a cost-efficient approach to identify drug absence in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. All samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample demonstrate presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity inherent in hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Mequon, WI, the benefits become apparent. Hair tests offer superior detection over a lengthy period, far outlasting the short span of urine tests.
This prolonged detection window provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance habits.
In Mequon, WI, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that captures drug use up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to gain deeper insights into an employee’s or applicant’s substance history.
Such a capability helps in making informed hiring or retention decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Mequon, WI, provides a tamper-proof method of drug testing. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, ensuring uncompromised results.
This robustness in testing strengthens trust in the outcomes.
For periodic checks or urgent tests, Mequon, WI residents benefit from an abundance of local and nationwide testing centers. The convenience of accessible locations removes logistical headaches.
Getting tested is now more manageable than ever.
Ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test in Mequon, WI is straightforward and confidential.
The expeditious process assures clients of privacy while ensuring ease of use.
Mequon, WI leads the way in offering affordable hair follicle tests with quick turnarounds. The cost-effectiveness coupled with rapid results is ideal for businesses of any size.
This harmonious blend of price and speed provides significant value.
Hair follicle drug testing in Mequon, WI is remarkably precise and efficient. The test’s ability to accurately identify substances makes it a preferred choice for many industries.
Its speed in delivering results enables swift decision-making.Employers appreciate the reliability in detecting drug-related issues, thus ensuring a safer work environment.
Mequon, WI employers find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it guarantees workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
Using this method reduces legal risks significantly, creating a safer work environment.
