Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair serves as a long-term record for alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for determining the specimen's weight. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair; body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for it to be legally acceptable. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening demand further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves removing drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered more challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed for Confirmation of any positive screening results. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is carried out in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly named "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wells, WI
Extended Detection Window in Wells, WI
One of the foremost advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to reveal substance use over a much longer period, up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wells, WI
The method guards against common cheating practices, solidifying the test's reputation as a dependable drug screening solution.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wells, WI
Simple, Confidential Process in Wells, WI
Hair follicle testing offers a straightforward, confidential process from ordering to the reception of results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wells, WI
We offer competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, ensuring excellent value over a variety of business sizes.
In Wells, WI, hair follicle drug testing offers a swift and precise assessment of substance use. This testing method stands out for its exceptional ability to accurately detect a wide range of substances.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wells, WI
