Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a potent method for identifying substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a substance use history of up to three months. Collection of hair is straightforward, it’s relatively resistant to tampering, and it can be transported with ease.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches composed of roughly 200 strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) from close to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest determining the sample weight with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean specifically the scalp hair. Conversely, body hair denotes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
Four primary stages characterize the lab processing of drug testing results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any requisite data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for potential substances of misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be verified for it to hold in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening certainly need a secondary confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positive results during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), marking hair drug screening as the most complex methodology to administer.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples tentatively positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is common, yet the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not on the follicle underneath the scalp.
In the region of Andover, IL, hair follicle tests are preferred over traditional urine tests due to superior detection capabilities. Hair testing is renowned for its accuracy and long detection window, allowing it to identify substance use up to 90 days prior. In contrast, urine tests fall short, offering only a brief detection period. Thus, hair testing provides a more comprehensive view, enhancing drug-testing programs' integrity and reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Andover, IL provides an extended detection window, allowing employers and other authorities a detailed perspective into a person's drug use history. It can identify drug use over a 90-day period, offering an unparalleled advantage through its prolonged scope. This wide coverage allows employers to gain a truthful understanding of applicants or employees' substance use tendencies, contributing to more informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature is a powerful attribute for those in Andover, IL. The methodology safeguards against sample adulteration attempts, ensuring genuine, reliable results. As tampering with hair samples is immensely challenging, results maintain their integrity, offering confidence in their validity. This helps instill trust in the assessment outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Finding convenient testing locations in Andover, IL is uncomplicated with comprehensive access to nationwide testing sites. The ease of utilizing these centers ensures a seamless, hassle-free experience for obtaining necessary tests. This network of locations allows for prompt service delivery, satisfying local and distant needs efficiently and effectively, providing peace of mind for both personal and professional requirements.
The process of hair follicle testing in Andover, IL is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collection and receiving results, simplicity is maintained throughout, addressing concerns over privacy. The user-friendly approach ensures that both individuals and organizations can rely on these services without fear of exposure, ensuring utmost discretion in all test-related interactions.
In Andover, IL, affordable pricing and rapid turnaround are key features of hair follicle testing services. Competitive pricing models align with swift result delivery, making them appealing to businesses of all sizes. This excellent value proposition guarantees companies can access high-quality testing without overextending budgets while benefiting from quick, credible outcomes.
Ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable results is pivotal for any drug testing method, and hair follicle testing in Andover, IL stands out. The precision it offers comes from its high sensitivity in detecting even minute traces of substance use. Results are obtained swiftly, making it an ideal choice for occasions when time is of the essence. The ability to accurately determine substance use adds a layer of confidence for decision-makers.
Hair follicle testing brings compliance peace of mind for employers in Andover, IL by aligning with workplace drug-free policies. It minimizes legal exposure and affirms adherence to regulations, thereby enhancing overall safety standards. Complying with these rigorous standards promotes a secure organizational environment, supportive of zero-tolerance approaches towards drug usage. This is crucial in maintaining a productive workplace.
