Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as the hair grows. Hair samples collected close to the scalp can reveal a history of use spanning up to roughly three months. This method is easy to implement, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for conducting preliminary tests and confirmations. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is recommended. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. In situations where scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Any mention of head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The process of handling a test result in the laboratory involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing additional data not captured by an electronic tracking system.
Screening serves as a preliminary inspection for drug abuse indications. While it's a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal purposes. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in this stage must undergo further verification.
For samples testing presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drug compounds are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other tests like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair testing particularly challenging.
Positive screening results are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples that presumptively test positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards qualifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Opt for Hair Follicle Testing? In Auburn, IL, hair testing outshines urine tests in numerous ways. It offers superior detection accuracy and is more reliable. Whereas urine tests only capture recent substance use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive view. For employers with strict drug policies, the choice becomes clear as the broader detection window ensures no recent drug usage is overlooked.
In Auburn, IL, hair follicle testing provides a greatly extended detection window, beneficial for employers seeking thorough assessments. This method can detect drug use up to 90 days prior, far surpassing the capabilities of other testing forms. Offering a complete history of substance use, it grants employers valuable insight into a candidate's or employee's behavioral patterns with regard to drug consumption.
In Auburn, IL, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a critical aspect that sets it apart. These tests are significantly less vulnerable to sample adulteration compared to other methods. Ensuring reliable and unquestionable results, hair tests provide an honest assessment of an individual's substance use, minimizing any attempts at falsifying results and maintaining test integrity.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Auburn, IL, accessing hair follicle drug testing services has never been easier. Our expansive network provides a straightforward, quick, and hassle-free experience when scheduling tests. Whether in Auburn or another city, our centers are designed to accommodate a variety of testing needs promptly and efficiently.
Auburn, IL offers a hair follicle drug testing process that is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, the procedure is streamlined to respect privacy and ensure ease of use. Every step is designed with the user in mind, prioritizing comfort and confidentiality while providing accurate results.
For businesses in Auburn, IL, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. This ensures that companies of all sizes can access high-quality testing without financial strain. The swift process provides timely results, enhancing decision-making processes with excellent value, supporting companies in maintaining substance-free environments.
Hair follicle drug testing in Auburn, IL, ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. The method's precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, making it an ideal choice for those requiring conclusive evidence. The efficiency of the process also allows for quick turnaround, providing results in less time without compromising accuracy. High accuracy in these tests eliminates doubt, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Employers in Auburn, IL, find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it helps in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, this method supports strict adherence to workplace regulations. It ensures that the workforce remains free from the influence of substances, thereby fostering a safer and more productive environment.
