Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Analysis of hair samples is recognized as a significant technique for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. The hair encapsulates a long-duration history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal up to an estimated 3-month detection span for substances and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hair strands, akin to the dimensions of a #2 pencil, closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For assessments such as EtG, add-ons, and/or for tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the foundational processing of a sample into the laboratory's system, which entails confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate substance usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for it to be admissible legally. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from the hair at considerably lower concentrations than with other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluids), emphasizing the complexity of performing hair substance screening.
To confirm any positive screening findings, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used. Before confirmation as required, all presumptive positive samples undergo a wash. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing in Alsip, IL, are evident. Hair tests offer unparalleled detection accuracy, capturing drug use over a prolonged period. In contrast, urine tests only detect recent substance use.
The extended detection period provided by hair follicle tests in Alsip, IL, is a significant advantage. These tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Alsip, IL, offers a testing method that is notably resistant to tampering. The robustness of this approach ensures that the samples are difficult to adulterate, providing results that are both reliable and beyond doubt.
The availability of convenient nationwide and local testing centers in Alsip, IL, simplifies the drug testing process for all users. Accredited centers offer easy access to testing services, ensuring efficiency and convenience.
The hair follicle testing process in Alsip, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From initial order to test and result delivery, every aspect is streamlined to prioritize user privacy.
Our hair follicle testing in Alsip, IL, emphasizes competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, offering excellent value to clients.
Hair follicle drug testing in Alsip, IL, is synonymous with precision and expedience. The testing process is highly accurate, ensuring dependable results in a timely manner.
Employers in Alsip, IL, gain peace of mind and compliance assurance through hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies while mitigating legal risks.
