Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and narcotics by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair samples offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for substances. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, relatively tricky to alter, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Mention of head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair denotes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug test processing comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though it is a cost-effective means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation to be admissible legally. All samples indicating presumptive positivity in screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample demonstrates presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation, if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carbon Cliff, IL
The choice of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests offers clear advantages in Carbon Cliff, IL. Hair testing surpasses urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy as substances are detected over an extended period. This method provides a more reliable overview of an individual’s substance use history compared to urine tests, which are limited to recent usage.
Extended Detection Window in Carbon Cliff, IL
Hair follicle testing is prized for its ability to detect drug use over a much longer timeframe, up to 90 days. This extended window gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual's history with substances. In Carbon Cliff, IL, this feature is especially beneficial as it provides a more thorough background check, ensuring that both employees and applicants maintain company standards over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carbon Cliff, IL
Hair follicle tests are notably robust against tampering, offering reliable results that are beyond question. Unlike other testing methods, the chance to alter hair samples is significantly minimized, ensuring integrity in the process. In Carbon Cliff, IL, this security translates to trustworthy outcomes that support employment or legal decisions, reducing risks associated with sample adulteration.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carbon Cliff, IL
Access to testing facilities is seamless with our vast network of centers across the nation, including convenient locations in Carbon Cliff, IL. The process of getting tested is straightforward and hassle-free, enabling individuals and companies to find a nearby facility quickly. This wide reach ensures easy access to reliable testing services without concern for distance.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carbon Cliff, IL
The procedure for ordering, undergoing, and receiving the results of a hair follicle test is designed to be straightforward and confidential. In Carbon Cliff, IL, privacy concerns are addressed with care, ensuring that individuals feel secure throughout the process. Simplicity and confidentiality are key, allowing for worry-free testing and accurate, timely results every time.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carbon Cliff, IL
Our pricing strategy ensures affordability without compromising on quality or speed. In Carbon Cliff, IL, organizations of all sizes benefit from competitive rates and swift processing times. This approach provides excellent value, combining cost-effectiveness with efficient service delivery, giving peace of mind and financial ease to businesses and individuals alike.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carbon Cliff, IL
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision in detecting substance use. Their high accuracy ensures that the results are dependable, providing clear evidence of substance use history. The process is engineered for rapid turnaround, supplying results that employers can trust. In Carbon Cliff, IL, hair tests maintain high reliability, setting a standard above other testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carbon Cliff, IL
Employers in Carbon Cliff, IL, can rest assured that hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method diminishes legal risks while promoting safety in the work environment. By integrating hair testing, employers can ensure they meet regulatory standards, aligning with zero-tolerance policies that enhance overall operational integrity.
