Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term chronicle of alcohol and drug use, capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month temporal window for detecting alcohol and drug presence. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advocated. It is suggested to measure the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a lab's operations. This incorporates ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While it is economical in dismissing drug use for most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that are initially positive in Screening need follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be initially positive at Screening, more hair is retrieved from the original batch and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much more dilute concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex to execute.
Confirming any initial positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory treatment from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bogota, IL
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing excels in accuracy and reliability. Unlike the standard urine test, hair testing offers a longer detection window and greater precision, making it the preferred choice for those requiring thorough substance use screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Bogota, IL
Hair follicle testing captures drug use over a significantly extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history, offering insights that urine tests cannot match.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bogota, IL
Hair follicle tests substantially mitigate the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring results are both reliable and beyond dispute. This enhances the credibility of the testing process, securing confidence in the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bogota, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including local sites in Bogota, IL, guarantees easy and convenient access to testing services, thus eliminating the hassle involved in obtaining tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bogota, IL
Employing a straightforward and confidential method, our process for organizing, executing, and obtaining test results ensures privacy and ease, addressing any potential stress related to the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bogota, IL
Our competitive pricing and expedited response times provide exceptional value, satisfying the needs of businesses of varied sizes while assuring fast and efficient testing outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bogota, IL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise results, ensuring high levels of accuracy in identifying substance use. Unlike other methods, these tests offer a reliable and quick solution for employers and other entities desirous of dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bogota, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing in workplace policies can assure adherence to drug-free standards, minimizing legal challenges and boosting workplace safety and peace of mind.
