Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Canton, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When procured near the scalp, hair can reflect up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. For head hair, we specify scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test entails four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab system. This ensures the sample is properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate most samples' drug usage, a positive finding must be validated to be legally permissible. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo a further confirmation.

Should a sample be potentially positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration considerably lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.

Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review as per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug evaluations can unveil drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a narrower detection timeframe.
• Hard to tamper with: The difficulty in compromising a hair drug evaluation results in more precise outcomes.
• Delivers historical insights: It can illustrate a drug usage pattern over time, not solely recent activities.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent activity: Drugs require approximately 5-7 days to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug evaluations are usually costlier than other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal discrepancies in hair growth influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination pertains to the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Advantages of Hair Over Urine Testing in Canton, IL

• Hair testing provides a longer detection window compared to urine tests.
• It boasts improved accuracy, reducing the chances of tampering common with urine tests.

The superior reliability of hair testing makes it the preferred choice for many institutions.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Period in Canton, IL

• Hair follicle testing uncovers drug use history for up to 90 days.
• Employers gain insights into long-term substance habits of employees or candidates.

This broader window aids in forming comprehensive profiles crucial for informed hiring.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Assurance in Canton, IL

• Hair follicle tests drastically lower risks of adulteration.
• The collection process is observed, minimizing sample manipulation.

These tests produce reliable, unquestionable results essential for integrity-focused testing scenarios.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Canton, IL

• Accessing our services is easy with testing centers across the country.
• Local availability ensures testing is quick and hassle-free.

Enjoy fast, convenient testing wherever you are, with streamlined procedures.

Simple, Confidential Process

Confidential and Simple Process in Canton, IL

• The process of ordering and taking hair follicle tests is straightforward.
• Test results are confidential, ensuring privacy throughout the process.

Easily access, conduct, and receive your results with reliability and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective Pricing and Rapid Turnaround in Canton, IL

• Competitive pricing structures make it accessible to businesses of all sizes.
• Fast turnaround times deliver value and efficiency for clients.

Such benefits strike a balance between excellence and economy amidst competitive market needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Reliable Testing in Canton, IL

• Hair follicle tests offer precise detection, giving quick and accurate insights into drug use.
• This method ensures remarkable accuracy, essential for drawing reliable conclusions about substance intake.

By leveraging cutting-edge testing technology, results are delivered swiftly, making it ideal for timely decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Canton, IL

• Hair testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks.
• It enhances workplace safety by maintaining strict compliance.

Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their testing measures are robust and effective.

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