Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair delivers a detection time frame of up to 3 months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil), near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to obtain 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of hair drug testing encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any necessary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive outcome during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shell Lake, WI
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Their capability to identify drug use over a longer timeline makes them a preferred choice in Shell Lake, WI, delivering more reliable results.
Extended Detection Window in Shell Lake, WI
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive view by detecting drug use for up to 90 days. For employers in Shell Lake, WI, this extended detection window delivers a clearer picture of an applicant or employee's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shell Lake, WI
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration, offering trustworthy and irrefutable results for those in Shell Lake, WI.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shell Lake, WI
Our nationwide network of testing centers makes accessing hair follicle testing in Shell Lake, WI, straightforward and hassle-free, providing convenient solutions no matter where you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shell Lake, WI
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential in Shell Lake, WI, addressing privacy and usability concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shell Lake, WI
Offering competitive pricing and rapid result times, hair follicle testing in Shell Lake, WI, ensures excellent value and tranquility for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shell Lake, WI
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its rapidity and precision in detecting substance use. In Shell Lake, WI, the accuracy of these tests ensures that any drug presence is clearly identified, providing assurance to both employers and individuals.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shell Lake, WI
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Shell Lake, WI. It diminishes legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.
