Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a comprehensive retrospective of drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history up to a 3-month span. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and the samples are easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp, suffices to provide 100mg of hair—optimal for initial testing and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can serve as a substitute. The term head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair (beard, underarm hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result chiefly include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves recording the sample into the lab’s system at the outset. This step confirms the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data inputs absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial check for illicit substances. While Screening economically rules out drug use in most samples, positive screens must be confirmed for court acceptability. Samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate additional verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, extra hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive result from the screening process is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive results are washed prior to needed confirmation. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Bartonville, IL
Hair follicle testing offers numerous benefits over traditional urine tests. With superior detection capabilities, hair testing provides a longer window to capture substance use, commonly up to 90 days, while urine tests typically span only a few days. This extended detection range is crucial for employers seeking to maintain substance-free workplaces and ensure safety.
Long-Term Detection Capabilities in Bartonville, IL
By analyzing hair samples, drug use can be detected over an extensive period, typically up to 90 days, offering employers a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history. This longer detection window provides an invaluable tool for evaluating potential risks, ensuring applicants and employees adhere to workplace policies.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Bartonville, IL
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of manipulation and adulteration, ensuring results are dependable and trustworthy. This method establishes a higher standard of accuracy compared to other testing options, providing a secure means of evaluating an individual's substance use history, critical for maintaining integrity in testing processes.
Accessible Testing Locations in Bartonville, IL and Nationwide
With convenient testing centers across the nation, including Bartonville, IL, accessing drug testing services becomes easy and hassle-free. This wide network ensures you can efficiently arrange for hair follicle testing wherever you are, facilitating swift and seamless processes so businesses can maintain their operational flow without interruption.
Streamlined and Confidential Testing in Bartonville, IL
The process for hair follicle testing at our centers is simple and confidential. From order placement to results reception, every step is designed to respect privacy and offer ease-of-use. This ensures that individuals can complete necessary testing seamlessly, with all assurances on confidentiality maintained throughout the entire process.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Bartonville, IL
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitively priced solutions, making it an economical option for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, these services present excellent value, allowing companies to manage drug testing efficiently and effectively, ultimately contributing to a better-managed workplace environment.
Accurate and Dependable Results in Bartonville, IL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, dependable, and precise results, making them an excellent option for detecting substance use. Their high level of accuracy allows employers to confidently assess an individual's history with substance use, ensuring that decisions are based on reliable and factual data. Quick processing further enhances their appeal.
Ensuring Compliance and Employer Peace of Mind in Bartonville, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing promotes compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, reducing potential legal issues and enhancing overall safety. Employers can trust that this testing method helps uphold stringent policies, providing peace of mind and fostering a more secure and productive work environment for all employees.
