Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has developed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term records of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand. When obtained from the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100 mg of hair, perfect for screening and confirming. For EtG, enhancements, and/or testing exceeding 10 panels, 150 mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This process ensures the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening presents an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While it's a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in most specimens, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any presumptively positive results in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
For presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes audits under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strands analyzed, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bath, IL Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy over urine tests by providing an extended detection window and minimizing the risk of sample tampering. This reliable method gives insight into long-term substance use, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal settings.
Extended Detection Window in Bath, IL Hair follicle testing boasts an impressive detection period, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended window presents employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance history, offering valuable insight into their long-term behaviors.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bath, IL Hair follicle tests stand out with their resistance to tampering, as samples are collected in a controlled manner. This minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results are dependable and trustworthy, a critical factor for accurate drug screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bath, IL Accredited Drug Testing's vast network of nationwide centers offers easy access to testing services, eliminating hassle for both employers and individuals. This convenience ensures timely and efficient completion of necessary screenings.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bath, IL Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are handled with confidentiality and ease, ensuring user comfort and security throughout the testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bath, IL Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times ensures that companies receive excellent value without compromising on quality. This affordability and speed make us an ideal partner for businesses of any size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bath, IL Hair follicle drug tests surpass traditional methods in delivering quick and precise outcomes. With cutting-edge techniques, substance use is detected more accurately, providing confidence in the results. This superior speed and reliability make hair testing an ideal choice for those seeking dependable information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bath, IL Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and minimizing legal risks. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their testing process is comprehensive, reliable, and aligned with regulatory standards.
