Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A sample length of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (nearly equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimum amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, this is exclusive to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair pertains to all other varieties of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This stage involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial expedited review for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that return a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is shown to be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is derived from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses the most substantial challenge to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle located beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, the superiority of hair testing over urine tests is evident. Hair tests boast superior detection precision, allowing for a broader and more dependable analysis of substance use. With extended detection windows and reduced tampering risks, hair tests represent a more accurate and robust alternative for employers and other organizations.
Extended Detection Window
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, hair follicle testing offers the advantage of a significantly extended detection window for drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This gives employers a detailed view of a candidate or employee’s substance usage over an extended duration, providing a more comprehensive history than other testing methods, which is invaluable for maintaining workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, hair follicle testing is esteemed for its resistance to tampering, offering reliable and irrefutable results. Unlike other methods, the observed collection process of hair tests minimizes the risk of adulteration, providing assurance in the outcomes and reducing the possibility of manipulated samples, hence ensuring accurate assessments of substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, the accessibility of our nationwide and local testing centers ensures a seamless testing experience. Catering to diverse locations, our centers provide quick, easy, and hassle-free access to essential testing services, making the entire process straightforward and efficient for all involved parties.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, addressing privacy concerns through every step. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, individuals can expect a simple and confidential process, ensuring ease of use and protection of personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, we provide hair follicle testing at competitive prices with quick turnaround times, delivering excellent value and assurance for businesses of all sizes. Our pricing structures ensure that companies get the best value for their investment, while fast processing supports swift hiring and monitoring decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their speed and reliability. A precise method to detect substance use, these tests consistently produce high accuracy in results. Ensuring trustworthy outcomes, hair testing provides quick verification of drug consumption, significantly outperforming other methods like urine testing in efficacy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Sturgeon Bay, WI, employing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and mitigating legal risks. This rigorous testing method not only upholds legal standards but also reassures employers and employees alike, fostering a safer and more responsible work environment, critical for maintaining organizational integrity.
