Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures long-term drug and alcohol consumption history by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands’ fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly three months of alcohol and drug usage history. Collection is straightforward, it's relatively resistant to tampering, and it can be shipped with ease.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both testing and verification. For EtG, extended panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the hair sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. “Body hair†encompasses all other hair types (facial, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a laboratory drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of logging a specimen into the lab’s system. It involves ensuring the specimen was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not covered by electronic custody systems.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While cost-efficient, any positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples testing positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation process.
In cases of a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted and prepared for Extraction. This step involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower levels than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), thus hair drug testing remains challenging.
Any confirmed positive screen is validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing if necessary. Every phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is certified under both CAP standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair follicle testing prevails over traditional urine tests in Buffalo Prairie, IL, due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests might detect substances only recently used, hair tests provide a comprehensive history of use.Benefits of Hair Testing Over Urine Tests:
Buffalo Prairie, IL employers prefer hair follicle tests for their extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This method thoroughly assesses an individual's substance history, offering a comprehensive picture.Advantages:
Hair follicle testing in Buffalo Prairie, IL, is esteemed for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, it's significantly harder to alter or adulterate, guaranteeing reliable results.Advantages of Tamper-Resistance:
Accredited Drug Testing centers are conveniently located both nationwide and in Buffalo Prairie, IL, making access to services quick and easy. Our broad network ensures testing is hassle-free.Conveniences:
The process of ordering and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Buffalo Prairie, IL is simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy, ensuring ease of use for every client.Simplified Steps:
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times bring value to Buffalo Prairie, IL clients seeking hair follicle drug tests. We offer affordable rates with swift results.Pricing and Turnaround:
In Buffalo Prairie, IL, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for providing fast, precise, and reliable results. With a focus on precision, hair analysis accurately reveals substance use patterns, delivering results quicker than traditional methods.Key Factors:
In Buffalo Prairie, IL, hair follicle testing ensures employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and minimizing legal risks.Employer Benefits: