Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting usage of drugs and alcohol. It provides a historical record of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it presents a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for conducting both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Processing of a drug test result in a laboratory involves four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first processed into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data that wasn’t provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, quick test for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening necessitates confirmation to be considered definitive. Any samples with presumed positive results in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and then prepared for Extraction. At this stage, the drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), demonstrating why hair drug testing is among the more challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples are washed before confirmation when required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Bridgeport, IL, recognizes the superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests. The benefits of using hair samples for drug detection are multifaceted, offering enhanced accuracy and reliability compared to urine samples. Urine tests often face limitations in their detection capacity, whereas hair tests delve deeper into a person’s substance use history.
This adds a layer of assurance for decision-makers, knowing they are utilizing a pragmatic and steadfast testing method.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive history of substance usage. For employers in Bridgeport, IL, this extensive timeframe can be invaluable for understanding an individual's behavioral patterns regarding drug use. Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests reveal prolonged drug use.
In Bridgeport, IL, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. The integrity of the sample remains intact throughout the testing procedure, effectively reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Traditional tests may be prone to manipulation, but hair follicle analysis assures authenticity and accuracy.
An advantage of choosing Accredited Drug Testing in Bridgeport, IL, is the sheer convenience of our nationwide service locations, streamlining the process for all parties involved. Whether you're a local resident or part of a broader corporate network, accessing our testing facilities is simple and straightforward.
Bridgeport, IL, residents benefit from a straightforward and confidential testing process offered by hair follicle analysis. The steps, from ordering to sample delivery and result reception, are designed with user privacy as a primary consideration, seamlessly blending simplicity with confidentiality.
Our services in Bridgeport, IL, offer competitive pricing and fast results, ensuring excellent value for organizations of various sizes. Accredited Drug Testing promises a cost-effective option without any compromise on speed or quality, which can make all the difference for large enterprises or smaller establishments alike.
In Bridgeport, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and dependable outcomes. The state-of-the-art nature of these tests ensures precise detection of substance use, with results that stakeholders can trust. The advanced technology behind hair follicle analysis enhances its precision,
making it a reliable method for employers and individuals looking to verify drug use status.
This testing method cuts down on waiting times, delivering swift results without compromising accuracy. Its reliability is unmatched, providing stakeholders with peace of mind with every use.
The utilization of hair follicle testing in Bridgeport, IL, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Employers can rest easy knowing they're aligned with industry standards while minimizing possible legal repercussions. Hair tests offer a solid foundation for maintaining a safe work environment, thus ensuring peace of mind for employer and employee alike.
