Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has gained prominence. As hair grows, it encapsulates biomarkers within its strands, offering an extended timeline of substance usage. When obtained from near the scalp, hair provides a substance detection period extending up to around three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and conveniently transportable.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches, composed of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness), yields about 100mg, which is optimal for assessments and confirmations. For EtG, additional investigations, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the hair sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing for drug test results involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes verifying the secure sealing and transportation of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry that is not completed via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive screen result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Presumptively positive Screening samples necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In cases where Screening yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample in preparation for Extraction. In this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at substantially lower concentrations as compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is what makes hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Any positive findings from Screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation, as required. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carbondale, IL
The benefits of hair testing surpass traditional urine tests, especially in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests provide a more extended detection period, capturing a history of substance use that urine tests may miss. For employers and professionals, hair testing delivers dependable insight into an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Carbondale, IL
Hair follicle tests present an extended detection period, capturing substance use over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive window offers employers in Carbondale, IL a comprehensive view of potential employees' or current staff's substance use history, aiding informed decisions and enhancing workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carbondale, IL
Hair follicle tests are significantly resistant to tampering, greatly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This makes the test results reliable and undisputedly accurate. In Carbondale, IL, this method's robustness ensures trustworthy outcomes, providing certainty and dependability in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carbondale, IL
Our testing services are accessible with ease, highlighted by nationwide locations including local centers in Carbondale, IL. The convenience of nearby testing centers translates to quick, hassle-free access to drug testing services, removing logistical challenges for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carbondale, IL
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Carbondale, IL, is structured to be straightforward and confidential. Assuring privacy, the method addresses concerns, offering a seamless experience from start to finish for test takers.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carbondale, IL
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times define hair follicle testing services. Providing excellent value for businesses of varying sizes, the affordability and timely results offer economic benefits and assurance, making drug testing accessible for all in Carbondale, IL.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carbondale, IL
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing are unmatched, defining its high accuracy rate. Within Carbondale, IL, those opting for this testing method gain the advantage of pinpoint accuracy when detecting substance use. Hair testing's reliability offers unparalleled outcomes, ensuring confidence in test results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carbondale, IL
Through hair follicle testing, employers in Carbondale can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters a safe environment at work, granting business owners the peace of mind that compliance requirements are being fully met.
