Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying substance use. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the strands' structure. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and substance use. The process of obtaining hair is straightforward; it is relatively resistant to tampering and is easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and verification. For tests like EtG, additional panels, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for precision in weighting the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main four steps in processing a test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial sample processing step into a lab’s system. It verifies that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not captured by an electronic custody system.
Screening quickly assesses the presence of drug misuse. While it's a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for the majority of cases, any positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. All presumptively positive Screening samples require further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. Drugs are then retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair testing demands more precision than other methodologies.
Confirmation for any Screening positives is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples are cleansed preceding confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
The merits of hair drug testing include:
Challenges:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often refers to these tests, though the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Burgess, IL: Hair follicle testing offers a superior detection window and robust reliability over traditional urine tests. Its ability to uncover drug use over months rather than days makes it a powerful tool for employers and institutions seeking comprehensive screening.
Extended Detection Window in Burgess, IL: With hair follicle testing, drug use can be detected for up to 90 days in the past. This allows employers to gain substantial insight into substance use patterns, providing a clearer picture of an employee's history for more informed decision-making.
Resistant to Tampering: The observed collection process in hair follicle drug testing significantly reduces the chances of tampering, ensuring that results are as precise as possible. In Burgess, IL, this method provides security and trust in testing outcomes.
Convenient Testing at Various Locations: Accredited Drug Testing's centers, both nationwide and local in Burgess, IL, ensure easy and accessible testing services. With our widespread locations, accessing testing services has never been more hassle-free.
Simple and Confidential Process: In Burgess, IL, the process of arranging and undergoing a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet. Our emphasis on privacy ensures that clients receive timely results without compromising their confidentiality.
Cost-Effectiveness and Speed: Our competitive pricing, coupled with rapid turnaround times, presents excellent value for all businesses in Burgess, IL. This ensures that companies of all sizes can benefit from high-quality testing services without budget concerns.
The precision of hair follicle testing in Burgess, IL, ensures fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. Its high detection accuracy makes it an ideal choice for identifying substance use patterns promptly. Results are not only delivered swiftly but also with a level of accuracy that remains unmatched by traditional testing methods.
Assured Compliance and Workplace Safety in Burgess, IL: Implementing hair follicle testing helps businesses comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety for employees. This testing method offers employers peace of mind and confidence.
