Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means of identifying substance use, providing a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When taken close to the scalp, hair allows for a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will weigh about 100mg, which is the optimum sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We recommend weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary).
Overview of the Process
The drug test laboratory process involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the primary processing of a sample into a lab's system. It verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, quick check for substances, serving as an economical approach to rule out drug usage in most samples, though a positive result requires confirmation to be legally accepted. Samples suspected to be positive during Screening need further confirmation.
Should a specimen emerge as presumptively positive in the Screening, additional hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques.
The Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples assumed to be positive undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review through both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Notice: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superior Detection: In Bureau Junction, IL, hair follicle testing is becoming the preferred choice due to its superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. Hair tests provide more reliable evidence of drug use over an extended period.
Enhanced Accuracy: Hair tests surpass urine testing in accuracy due to the extended detection timeline and minimal risk of tampering, making them the go-to option for compliance-driven environments.
Extended Window: Hair follicle testing in Bureau Junction, IL gives employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug usage history. Its ability to detect substances up to 90 days is especially valuable for zero-tolerance policies.
Insightful Assessment: With its extensive detection period, hair testing offers a more complete view of one's past behavior, thus aiding employers in making informed choices regarding potential or current employees.
Secure Testing: Hair follicle tests in Bureau Junction, IL minimize the chances of tampering, offering an almost foolproof method of obtaining trustworthy results. Due to this, they are preferred for ensuring authenticity in results.
Unquestionable Validity: The effectiveness of hair testing in deterring sample manipulation helps maintain the integrity of drug testing protocols in various professional scenarios.
Nationwide Convenience: With testing centers spread across the country, including Bureau Junction, IL, accessing our hair follicle testing services is both convenient and fast.
Easy Accessibility: Our widespread presence ensures that whether locally or nationally, individuals can obtain the testing services they need without undue hassle or travel.
Effortless Process: Conducting a hair follicle test in Bureau Junction, IL is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to respect privacy and ensure ease of access.
Confidential Results: The streamlined approach ensures that the process remains private and user-friendly, shielding sensitive information while delivering essential data efficiently.
Competitive Pricing: Bureau Junction, IL offers hair follicle testing with affordable pricing structures, ensuring excellent value for companies of varying sizes, combined with fast turnaround times.
Excellent Value: Our cost-effective testing solutions are designed to fit different budget needs without compromising on result accuracy or timeliness.
Precision and Speed: Hair follicle drug testing in Bureau Junction, IL ensures rapid and accurate results. The advanced analysis techniques used in these tests allow for a higher rate of detection than traditional methods, offering precise insights into substance use.
Reliable Outcomes: The reliability of hair testing methods provides peace of mind to employers, knowing that results accurately reflect any substance use history, thus supporting informed decision-making.
Compliance Assured: Hair follicle testing in Bureau Junction, IL supports employers in maintaining drug-free workplaces, thus aligning with legal standards while mitigating risks related to workplace drug use.
Peaceful Operation: Employers experience enhanced peace of mind knowing they have adhered to safety regulations, potentially reducing liability and fostering a safe, substance-free work environment.
