Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the continuously growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can indicate substance presence for up to roughly a three-month period. It is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields around 100mg, the perfect amount for both preliminary testing and verification. For EtG, additional panels, or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug screening involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any data missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a primary swift test for substance abuse. Despite being an economical evaluation to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to stand in court. Samples that screen as presumptively positive necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining the complexity of hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized for the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Stone Lake, WI, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in accuracy and dependability. While both methods offer critical insights, hair testing covers a longer detection range, exposing substance use that urine tests might miss.
Employers and officials gain a clearer, broader perspective on a person's drug history with hair tests, elevating the reliability of assessments, which may lead to better decision-making.
Employers in Stone Lake, WI, find hair follicle testing advantageous for its extended detection window, assessing substance use over up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides a deeper insight into an individual's drug history.
Such comprehensive information aids employers in making informed decisions about candidates or personnel, allowing them to maintain a drug-free and safe work environment consistently.
The robustness of hair follicle testing in Stone Lake, WI, is unmatched in resisting sample tampering. This method drastically minimizes adulteration risks, ensuring the integrity of the collected data.
With reliable and indisputable results, organizations can confidently interpret the data without concerns about manipulation, enhancing trust in the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing's vast network of nationwide centers, including those in Stone Lake, WI, offers unparalleled convenience. This accessibility allows for seamless and hassle-free testing experiences across various locations.
Clients benefit from efficient service, with timely access to testing facilities, enhancing their overall experience and ensuring quick resolution to drug testing needs.
In Stone Lake, WI, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, scheduling, and result retrieval are simplified, prioritizing user privacy and convenience.
Clients experience a secure environment where privacy concerns are addressed, providing them with peace of mind throughout their testing journey.
Stone Lake, WI, businesses benefit from competitive pricing and rapid results through hair follicle testing. The cost-effective structure ensures that companies receive excellent value without compromising on quality.
Quick turnaround times allow businesses to make timely decisions, supporting operational efficiency and maintaining budgetary constraints effectively.
Stone Lake, WI, benefits from the swift and precise capabilities of hair follicle drug tests. These tests boast high accuracy, efficiently detecting substance use, making them an ideal choice for those needing reliable results quickly.
The meticulous method involved ensures that results are not only fast but also accurate, dramatically reducing the chances of false negatives or positives. Clients can trust the outcomes, gaining critical insights rapidly.
Stone Lake, WI, employers gain immense peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring they're complying with drug-free workplace policies. This method strengthens safety protocols and mitigates legal risks.
By integrating hair tests, workplaces promote a culture of safety and compliance, aligning with regulatory standards and maintaining a secure environment for all employees.