Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a timeline for drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch length including about 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional, and/or tests above 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair variants (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in the laboratory for a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the initial integration of a specimen into a laboratory’s database. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in any missing data that an electronic chain-of-custody system might not cover.
Screening is a preliminary method for detecting drugs of abuse. Although it offers an economical means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a result that is positive in Screening requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation steps.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. In this process, drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations much lower than what other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid analyses) use, making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screenings are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," the evaluation actually involves the hair strand rather than the follicle inside the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests in Bonfield, IL? Hair follicle drug tests are superior due to their unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, they offer a broader window of detection and are less susceptible to adulteration, making them a preferred choice for thorough substance analysis in Bonfield, IL.
Extended Detection Period in Bonfield, IL - Hair follicle testing is highly valued for its ability to detect substance usage over an extended period, up to 90 days. This method offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, allowing employers to make more informed decisions regarding applicants and employees in Bonfield, IL.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Bonfield, IL - Hair follicle testing substantially minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This robust testing method provides reliable and unquestionable results, reinforcing its status as a reliable option for drug testing requirements in Bonfield, IL.
Convenient Testing Locations in Bonfield, IL - Our nationwide and local facilities offer a swift and seamless access to testing services. This wide network ensures convenience and expediency, providing hassle-free testing experiences wherever you are in Bonfield, IL.
Simple and Confidential Process in Bonfield, IL - Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and results delivery, every step prioritizes your privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns in Bonfield, IL.
Economical Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Bonfield, IL - Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value for companies of all scales. This efficiency and cost-effectiveness ensure peace of mind and satisfaction for our clients in Bonfield, IL.
Fast and Accurate Results in Bonfield, IL - Hair follicle testing offers precision and swiftness in substance use detection, ensuring high accuracy compared to other methods. With this approach, results are obtained promptly, contributing to effective and decisive action against drug use, providing peace of mind in Bonfield, IL.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Bonfield, IL - Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method mitigates legal risks while contributing to enhanced workplace safety, offering peace of mind to organizations in Bonfield, IL.
