Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective approach for uncovering substance use. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, providing an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to ship.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil), near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into the laboratory system. This phase includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry required outside an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for substances. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most specimens, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further Extraction. During this phase, substances are drawn from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized to comply with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superior Detection over Urine Testing
In Assumption, IL, hair follicle testing demonstrates greater accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. With its extended detection period and unmatchable precision, it's the superior choice for identifying substance use.
Extended Detection Window
In Assumption, IL, hair follicle tests uncover drug use over an extended timeframe, as long as 90 days. This extensive window furnishes employers with a detailed picture of an individual’s substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Assumption, IL, are distinctly tamper-resistant, substantially reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability ensures results that are beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations
Our broad network of testing centers across Assumption, IL, and nationwide ensures testing services are quick, convenient, and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process in Assumption, IL, for ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and private, catering to privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Assumption, IL, businesses of all sizes receive exceptional value and reassurance from our hair follicle testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Ensuring precision and speed, hair follicle drug tests in Assumption, IL, are applauded for their high accuracy. The ability to consistently detect substance use reliably makes them a preferred method over other testing options.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Assumption, IL, find that hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting safety in the work environment.
