Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Through capturing biomarkers within the fibers of an enlarging hair strand, hair offers an extended overview of alcohol and other drug involvement. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month observation period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, reasonably hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for checking and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we are alluding to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key processes in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the first handling of a specimen into a lab’s system. This involves confirming that the specimen was securely sealed and properly dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening signifies an initial swift inspection for drugs of dependence. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in legal settings. Any specimens that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a specimen be presumably positive during the Screening phase, more hair is gathered from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All assumed positive specimens are cleaned before verification as needed. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing clearly outshine traditional urine tests in Antioch, IL. For one, the superior detection ability allows for a broader window of identifying substance use. Unlike urine tests which are limited to shorter detection periods, hair testing can reflect a more detailed history of substance intake, making it a more reliable method for employers looking for thorough insights.
In Antioch, IL, the extensive detection window of hair follicle testing is a pivotal feature. By measuring up to 90 days of substance history, it provides employers with a comprehensive overview, beyond the brief scope of other testing methods. This extended timeframe allows for a more accurate representation of an individual's long-term substance habits.
Hair follicle drug tests in Antioch, IL, significantly lower the chances of sample tampering, thanks to their inherent tamper-resistant nature. This robustness ensures that the results are both reliable and indisputable, giving both employers and individuals confidence in the integrity of the testing process, a reassurance not readily available with other testing methods.
Antioch, IL, enjoys the practicality of widely accessible testing locations, providing easy, hassle-free access for hair follicle drug testing. With numerous centers nationwide, individuals and companies can quickly attend to their testing needs without complications, underscoring its convenience and efficacy in catering to localized demands.
The process in Antioch, IL, for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring that privacy concerns are addressed at every step. From ordering to receiving results, each stage of the process prioritizes ease and discretion, making it an appealing choice for those mindful of privacy and seamlessness in their testing experience.
With affordable pricing and rapid turnaround in Antioch, IL, hair follicle testing presents a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes. The combination of competitive prices and quick result delivery ensures excellent value, reinforcing its appeal as a practical and strategic choice for employers seeking reliable testing solutions.
In Antioch, IL, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with speed and precision. One of the hallmarks of this methodology is its high accuracy, capable of uncovering substance use with unparalleled reliability. Efficiency and accuracy are crucial, as they assure both employer and employee of definitive results, making this method a top choice for those seeking exactness in their testing process.
Employers in Antioch, IL, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, knowing compliance with drug-free workplace policies is more attainable. This testing method diminishes legal concerns and bolsters workplace safety, confirming its status as an essential component for sustaining a regulated and secure work environment.
