Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When collected from the area close to the scalp, it can offer up to around a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and confirming. For EtG, additional options, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The entire procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test outcome consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's correct sealing and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While this is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to ensure court admissibility. Samples suspected of being positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample seems positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. This stage involves isolating drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably complex to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are meticulously cleaned before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards for accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Mount Morris, IL, hair follicle testing surpasses conventional urine tests with unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests detect drug use over an extensive period, denying any masking attempts. Unlike urine tests, which show recent use, hair tests offer profound insight into long-term drug habits, making them invaluable for employers and law enforcement looking to uphold zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing in Mount Morris, IL, enables detection of substance use up to 90 days prior, far exceeding the temporal limits of urine testing. This extended detection window equips employers with a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history, aiding in hiring decisions and continuous employment evaluations. Such extensive coverage supports maintaining a drug-free and productive workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Mount Morris, IL, reduce the chance of sample tampering or adulteration significantly. Unlike urine tests, which are more prone to manipulation, hair tests offer a foolproof method for obtaining accurate results. Employers and legal enforcers benefit from this reliable approach, ensuring substance abuse assessments are trusted and unhindered by external interference.
In Mount Morris, IL, and throughout the nation, our extensive network of testing centers offers convenience and accessibility. With Accredited Drug Testing’s widespread locations, accessing hair follicle testing services is fast and hassle-free. Our nationwide presence ensures swift service delivery, catering to the needs of clients seeking quick and easy drug testing solutions.
In Mount Morris, IL, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, guaranteeing privacy and ease for all participants. Each stage, from scheduling to receiving results, is designed to prioritize discretion. Our clients trust that their sensitive information remains secure while enjoying the straightforward nature of the testing procedure, underscoring its appeal for widespread use.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid result turnaround, Accredited Drug Testing in Mount Morris, IL, delivers excellent value. Our competitive rates cater to companies large and small, ensuring comprehensive drug testing solutions without financial strain. We pride ourselves on maintaining quick processing times, swiftly delivering results that organizations need to maintain safety and compliance.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Mount Morris, IL, offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use. Accredited Drug Testing boasts state-of-the-art technology and expertly trained staff to ensure reliable results swiftly. Our hair tests provide highly accurate data, critical for employers and judiciary systems requiring trustworthy assessments to make informed decisions on substance use.
For employers in Mount Morris, IL, hair follicle testing promotes compliance with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering safety. These tests ensure adherence to rigorous standards, affording peace of mind that workplace environments remain secure and drug-free. Employers gain assurance from the consistent and validated results produced from this method.
