Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection range for substances extending up to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are preliminary positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is initially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In the realm of drug testing, hair follicle tests shine brighter than traditional urine tests. One of the primary reasons is the endurance of detection; hair analyses can trace drug usage back as far as 90 days. Conversely, urine tests typically offer a much narrower window, capturing only the recent days' usage. Additionally, the reliability of hair testing eliminates many of the uncertainties that sometimes accompany urine-based assessments.
Extended Detection Window is a crucial factor in substance testing. In Polk, WI, hair follicle testing excels at providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, tracing usage for up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers to make informed decisions by evaluating a broader picture of potential or current employees' habits, offering insights that surpass the capabilities of more fleeting methods like urine testing.
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, providing a significant advantage over other testing methods. In Polk, WI, the meticulous process of hair sampling ensures that the risk of sample adulteration is markedly reduced. This robust method safeguards against deception, ensuring that results are legitimate and trustworthy, which is paramount for employers and others relying on accurate drug use detection.
Convenience is key, and our numerous testing locations provide just that across the nation, including Polk, WI. Midst extensive testing facilities, individuals can experience quick, simple, and hassle-free service. Whether local or nationwide, our extensive network ensures that accessing necessary tests is seamless, making it easier than ever to fulfill any drug testing requirements efficiently.
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be both simple and confidential, offering peace of mind in Polk, WI. From ordering the test to sample collection and result reception, every step prioritizes user-friendly experience and privacy. This ensures that individuals can navigate the testing procedure without concerns over their personal information being compromised.
Affordable Pricing combined with fast turnarounds makes hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses in Polk, WI. Our competitive pricing structure offers excellent value for companies, regardless of their size, while the swift result delivery ensures that businesses can maintain smooth operations without unnecessary delays. This combination is crucial for employers seeking efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Fast, accurate, and reliable - these are the hallmarks of hair follicle drug testing offered in Polk, WI. Unlike many other methods, hair tests not only provide precision but also deliver rapid results. As a trusted process for detecting substance use, hair follicle testing stands out due to its advanced capabilities, ensuring that individuals and employers receive the most dependable information available.
Ensuring Compliance and offering peace of mind are essential benefits of hair follicle testing in Polk, WI. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, companies not only reduce potential legal liabilities but also promote a safer work environment. This testing method helps maintain integrity and compliance, enhancing an organization's ability to enforce zero-tolerance drug policies effectively.
