Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository of long-term usage history by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When extracted from the area close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A specimen comprising 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. In discussing head hair, the reference is strictly to scalp hair; body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the laboratory's system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and transported appropriately, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary, rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective in excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is particularly challenging to perform.
The Confirmation of positive results arises via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, any presumptive positive samples are subjected to washing as required. The laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes scrutiny according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often known as "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle below the scalp
Hair testing in Arthur, IL surpasses traditional urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. With extended detection windows, it's a superior choice for ensuring thorough screening.
While urine tests are limited to recent drug use, hair tests provide employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, making them a preferred option.
Arthur, IL employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window—up to 90 days. This allows a thorough assessment of an employee's substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope, hair tests offer a prolonged period for detecting substances, providing valuable insights for discerning employers.
In Arthur, IL, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method, greatly reducing sample adulteration risks. This ensures results are both reliable and unquestionable.
Due to their collection method, these tests minimize the chances of cheating, offering a trusted solution for accurate drug testing.
Arthur, IL boasts easy access to our nationwide testing centers, offering quick and hassle-free drug testing services.
Our convenient locations ensure efficiency and accessibility, allowing individuals to undergo testing without unnecessary stress or delays.
In Arthur, IL, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, protecting privacy while ensuring efficient results.
Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively and with ease for users.
Our affordable pricing for hair testing in Arthur, IL ensures competitive costs, catering to companies of all sizes.
Fast turnaround times provide excellent value and peace of mind, making our services a top choice for timely and cost-effective drug testing.
In Arthur, IL, hair follicle drug tests provide precise and fast results. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use makes them a reliable choice for drug testing needs.
Compared to other methods, these tests are unmatched in efficiency, swiftly delivering trustworthy outcomes for individuals and organizations, ensuring timely information for decision-making.
Employers in Arthur, IL gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, staying compliant with drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal risks.
This method enhances workplace safety by providing reliable evidence of substance use, maintaining a secure and productive environment.