Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers, providing a retrospective view of alcohol and drug use over several months. If hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal a substance use history of up to three months. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair specimen measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil), totals to about 100mg, optimal for screening and more detailed analysis. For EtG, specialized add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If head hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be substituted. It is important to clarify that 'head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s information system. This phase entails ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adding any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug presence in most cases, positive screens need verification for legal acceptability. Any initially positive results from Screening require subsequent confirmation.
A presumptive positive in Screening prompts the drawing of additional hair from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated at lower concentrations than other methods, such as urine or oral fluid analysis, presenting challenges unique to hair drug testing.
Confirmation utilizes techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples showing presumptive positivity undergo cleansing before confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis strictly pertains to the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Benld, IL
Hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests through their superior detection capabilities. Offering a wider detection window and greater reliability, hair testing uncovers long-term substance use patterns, unlike short-duration urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Benld, IL
Hair testing achieves up to 90 days of drug detection, far exceeding the limited window of urine tests. This provides a comprehensive view of long-term substance use, helping employers make informed choices regarding applicants or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Benld, IL
Hair follicle testing is resilient against tampering, minimizing the risk of compromised samples. Its design ensures reliable, unquestionable results, providing peace of mind for all involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Benld, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures fast and easy access to services. This widespread availability simplifies the testing process for individuals and companies alike, providing convenience in testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Benld, IL
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and secure. Offering a simple order, testing, and result retrieval process, it ensures confidentiality, addressing privacy and use concerns efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Benld, IL
We provide competitive pricing on our hair follicle tests, backed by fast turnaround times. This value-based approach accommodates businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind and economic efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Benld, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, making them a reliable choice for substance detection. Their accuracy ensures you get trustworthy data on drug use, streamlining decision-making. With the results being both fast and accurate, hair testing ensures minimal disruptions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Benld, IL
Using hair follicle testing upholds compliance with workplace drug policies, thereby reducing legal risks. This contributes to a safer work environment, providing security and peace of mind for employers.
