Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair, it offers an extended history of these substances. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within the lab's systems. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this sequence, drugs are extracted from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is appraised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Arlington Heights, IL
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests, especially in Arlington Heights, IL. With its superior detection accuracy and inability to be easily manipulated, it provides a more reliable option for employers required to ensure a drug-free workplace.
Extended Detection Window in Arlington Heights, IL
With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers in Arlington Heights, IL with an extensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This prolonged detection capability offers a comprehensive insight into someone's habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Arlington Heights, IL
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant method that ensures integrity and reliability in Arlington Heights, IL. Unlike other tests, it greatly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, delivering unquestionable results that stakeholders can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Arlington Heights, IL
Our conveniently located testing centers make it easy for residents of Arlington Heights, IL to access our services. With numerous nationwide facilities, testing is straightforward, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Arlington Heights, IL
Our process for ordering, taking, and obtaining results from hair follicle drug tests in Arlington Heights, IL is designed to be simple and confidential, prioritizing privacy and usability for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Arlington Heights, IL
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Arlington Heights, IL provide excellent value, catering to companies of every scale, offering peace of mind at affordable rates.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Arlington Heights, IL
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable accuracy and swift turnaround, making them a preferred choice in Arlington Heights, IL. Their high precision ensures accurate detection of substance use, providing reliable results for making informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Arlington Heights, IL
Employers in Arlington Heights, IL benefit from peace of mind using hair follicle testing. This approach helps ensure adherence to drug-free policies, thereby diminishing legal challenges and supporting a safer working environment.
