Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug usage by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected from near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of approximately up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipment.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or when testing above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent portion of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Bluffside, IL, hair follicle tests are the preferred choice over urine tests due to their advanced benefits. These tests offer superior detection for long-term substance use, often reaching back up to 90 days. Employers and authorities value this accuracy, as it helps enforce drug-free policies effectively. By surpassing urine tests in reliability and comprehensiveness, hair testing is a trusted solution for modern drug screening needs.
Extended Detection Window
The capability of hair follicle testing in Bluffside, IL, to trace drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days, gives employers a broader view of an individual's substance history. This long detection window affords a more thorough understanding of potential employees or current staff's habits, thus enabling more informed employment or retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Bluffside, IL, hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering, drastically reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This robust testing method provides results that are reliable and unquestionable, making it a trustworthy option for employers and legal bodies who demand unquestionable evidence in their drug testing practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Bluffside, IL, benefits from our vast network of testing centers, ensuring that accessing hair follicle testing is quick, easy, and free of hassle. Nationwide facilities provide the flexibility needed for a seamless testing experience, prioritizing convenience for all clients seeking reliable drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Bluffside, IL, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This ensures clients experience ease of use without compromising on privacy, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and streamlining the entire testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, Bluffside, IL providers offer excellent value in hair follicle testing. These factors assure companies of all sizes that they are receiving not only cost-effective services but also the prompt results necessary for timely decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Bluffside, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their efficiency and reliability. The precision of these tests ensures any substance use is accurately reported, aiding in prompt decision-making. With quick turnaround times, employers and individuals can trust that the results they receive are both timely and precise, reinforcing the significance of hair testing in contemporary drug test methodologies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Bluffside, IL, gain significant peace of mind using hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method decreases legal risks and enhances the overall safety of the workplace by providing thorough screening for potential substance use, thereby maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
