Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, offering an extended-term record of alcohol and other substances. When collected near the scalp, hair can deliver an approximately 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. In discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair comprises all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves certifying that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening features an initial swift check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Merton, WI, proves to be a superior alternative to conventional urine testing. One of its numerous advantages is its impressive detection accuracy. While urine tests can only reflect recent usage, hair analysis can uncover drug consumption over a much longer timeline. This reliability is critical for employers aiming for a complete overview of their employees' substance habits.
The extended detection window is a standout feature of hair follicle testing in Merton, WI. While urine tests might only capture recent drug use, hair tests offer a much broader picture, detecting substances used up to 90 days back. Employers gain a comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history, assisting in making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Merton, WI, employs a tamper-resistant methodology that substantially reduces the chances of sample adulteration. This method assures the reliability of the test results by making it nearly impossible to alter the sample. Such integrity in testing means organizations can trust the outcomes, maintaining high standards for drug use evaluation.
Convenience is a significant benefit of our drug testing services in Merton, WI. With nationwide locations, including those local to Merton, individuals have quick access to our facilities. This network facilitates a speedy, efficient, and stress-free testing experience. Whether in the heart of the city or its surrounding areas, our testing centers are accessible for all.
The process for hair follicle testing in Merton, WI, is both simple and confidential. From order placement to sample collection and result delivery, every step is designed to protect user privacy. This straightforward approach ensures that all individuals can undertake testing with assurance in its confidentiality, enhancing user comfort and trust.
For businesses in Merton, WI, using hair follicle tests ensures affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. Our competitive pricing strategy offers significant value without compromising on quality. Companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality drug testing solutions, receiving prompt results that aid in efficient decision-making.
In Merton, WI, hair follicle drug tests are praised for their fast and precise results. The technology used is incredibly accurate, capable of identifying substance use with high confidence. These tests provide quick outcomes, ensuring that individuals and entities can move forward with their decisions promptly. Their reliability makes them a top choice for detecting drug abuse efficiently.
Adopting hair follicle tests provides compliance and peace of mind for employers in Merton, WI. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure and enhancing safety standards. Ensuring compliance through credible testing protocols strengthens the organization's stance against drug use, fostering a secure working environment.
