Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective measure for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection period extending up to three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, harder to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) from the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, acquiring 150mg is advisable. Assess the weight of the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used instead. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result encompasses four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning stage incorporates the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This stage ensures that the sample is securely sealed and correctly shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any data entry omissions absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Although cost-effective as a method to exclude drug use in most samples, Confirmation is necessary for a positive screen to stand in a legal setting. Samples returning a presumptive positive score during Screening require an additional confirmatory test.
In cases where Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging to administer.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing wash prior to Confirmation if required. Every aspect of the laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation receives evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Anchor, IL
Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests in several ways. Among the key advantages is its extended detection period, often reaching 90 days, compared to urine's shorter range. This broader timeline provides a clearer picture of an individual's drug use history and prevents recent abstinence from skewing results. With superior accuracy and reliability, hair testing stands out as the better option.
Extended Detection Window in Anchor, IL
Hair follicle tests have a noteworthy edge with their extended detection window, offering insights into drug use for up to 90 days. Employers in Anchor, IL benefit from this feature, gaining a detailed view of an applicant or employee's drug history. Such an extended period is crucial for understanding long-term patterns, providing a significant advantage in the hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Anchor, IL
Hair follicle testing is inherently tamper-resistant, virtually eliminating the possibility of sample adulteration. This characteristic ensures that the results are credible and difficult to dispute, providing peace of mind to employers and other stakeholders in Anchor, IL. The secure nature of this test is a critical strength compared to other methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Anchor, IL
With testing sites spread across the nation and locally in Anchor, IL, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is straightforward. This network ensures convenience and speed, making the process hassle-free for both individuals and businesses. Quick access to testing increases efficiency and client satisfaction.
Simple, Confidential Process in Anchor, IL
Ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Anchor, IL is simple and confidential, designed with user privacy as a priority. This method addresses concerns over ease of use and data security, ensuring individuals feel safe and informed throughout the process. Such a streamlined approach caters to client comfort and confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Anchor, IL
Competitive pricing and quick response times make hair follicle tests a cost-effective option in Anchor, IL. This affordability extends peace of mind to companies of any size, allowing them to manage budgets wisely while securing prompt and accurate results. These benefits highlight the test's value proposition.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Anchor, IL
Hair follicle tests provide quick, dependable results, making them a top choice for substance detection in Anchor, IL. The process is designed for efficiency, so results are delivered rapidly without sacrificing accuracy. This precision is paramount for those who rely on these tests for important decisions, ensuring clarity in substance use detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Anchor, IL
Employers in Anchor, IL gain significant compliance benefits with hair follicle testing, as it aligns with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and boosts overall workplace safety. By choosing hair testing, organizations also ensure they're pursuing precise, bias-free records of substance use history.
