Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers within its growing fibers. If collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and can be shipped without hassle.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be taken. For head hair, we mean scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other hair types, like facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for processing a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This includes verifying appropriate sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra information not accessible through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial quick review for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening result needs confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug screening is a more complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often known as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Bush, IL, hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine tests. Offering superior accuracy, hair tests can detect substances long after use, unlike urine tests that are limited to detecting recent usage. Employers gain a more comprehensive understanding of their employees' drug histories, improving decision-making.
The reliability of hair testing lies in its inability to be easily manipulated. Attempts to cheat with synthetic samples are virtually eliminated, providing a trustworthy representation of an individual's drug use. Consequently, organizations can enforce drug policies with more confidence.
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window like no other in Bush, IL, up to 90 days of substance use history. This incomparable period reveals repeated drug use instead of recent, one-off occurrences, providing employers a realistic view of an individual's habits.
Such an extended window highlights consistent patterns, proving especially useful during pre-employment screenings or random checks at workplaces with stricter drug-use policies. The transparency of an applicant’s past drug habits aids in making more informed decisions.
In Bush, IL, the integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched, significantly mitigating tampering risks. This method is highly resistant to common adulteration techniques that could jeopardize the results' reliability in other testing types, like urine analysis.
The difficulty in altering hair specimens guarantees the authenticity of the data collected, ensuring that the outcome is irrefutable. This reliability makes hair follicle tests indispensable for upholding accountability and transparency in drug testing procedures.
Our comprehensive network of testing centers ensures accessible and convenient drug testing services across Bush, IL. The presence of local and nationwide locations allows individuals and businesses to swiftly and effortlessly engage with our services without logistical constraints.
Regardless of your location, our centers are equipped to provide hassle-free and timely testing solutions, meeting the needs of employers and individuals alike. This ease of access simplifies the testing process substantially.
For those in Bush, IL, the drug testing process is simple and confidential. Engaging our hair follicle testing services means experiencing a streamlined procedure—from ordering tests to the receipt of results, maintaining user privacy at every step.
The confidentiality of results protects personal data, reassuring individuals concerned about privacy. Ease of use and discretion make our services appealing to companies and individuals seeking trustworthy drug testing.
Our drug testing services in Bush, IL provide a balance between affordability and speed, addressing the budgetary considerations of all businesses. Competitive pricing ensures that even small enterprises can access top-notch services without financial strain.
Alongside affordability, prompt turnaround times—often faster than traditional methods—help businesses make crucial decisions rapidly. This cost-effective and efficient approach supplies peace of mind, knowing quality is never compromised.
In Bush, IL, hair follicle testing stands out for its speedy, precise outcomes in drug detection. With advancements in technology, these tests can rapidly identify traces of substances with high accuracy. The streamlined process ensures quick results crucial for making timely decisions in employment or legal scenarios.
Accuracy with hair testing reduces false positives or negatives, a significant advantage over other testing methods. Organizations trust hair tests for their ability to deliver factual data, helping maintain safe and drug-free environments.
Utilizing hair follicle drug testing assures compliance with workplace drug policies in Bush, IL. Employers favor these tests to diminish legal risks, as their integrity and extended detection period facilitate enforcing zero-tolerance measures.
Peace of mind stems from knowing employees adhere to drug-free policies, enhancing safety and productivity. Hair tests support companies’ efforts to cultivate a secure and efficient working environment, fostering trust and professionalism.
