Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their growing fibers, providing a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. By collecting hair near the scalp, one can achieve a detection period spanning up to about three months for various substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, containing approximately 200 strands near the scalp, amounts to 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG tests, add-ons, or tests involving more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" indicates all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is entered into a lab's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective in ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This step isolates drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably complex.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Carlock, IL, the former stands out as superior. Hair testing surpasses urine testing with enhanced detection accuracy, offering more reliable results. This method shines in identifying long-term drug use, giving employers assurance of an applicant’s or employee's history over several months.
Hair follicle testing in Carlock, IL, provides an extensive detection period, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior. This long window is invaluable for employers, allowing them a thorough review of an individual’s substance use history. It's an essential tool for maintaining stringent workplace substance policies and evaluating potential new hires comprehensively.
The risk of tampering is significantly diminished with hair follicle tests in Carlock, IL. Unlike other methods, this testing form is nearly impossible to adulterate, providing trustworthy results that remain uncontested. Employers can rely on these tests for their resiliency against manipulation, ensuring confidence in the outcomes.
With the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including locations in Carlock, IL, access to drug testing services is hassle-free. Employers and individuals can easily reach testing facilities that offer quick services. This wide network ensures that high-quality testing is just around the corner, no matter the city.
The process of ordering, taking, and obtaining hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential in Carlock, IL. This straightforward procedure respects privacy while ensuring ease of use. Clients can confidently engage in the testing process, knowing their data is handled with discretion and security.
In Carlock, IL, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround make hair follicle testing accessible for companies regardless of size. This affordability, coupled with fast and reliable results, delivers exceptional value, allowing businesses to maintain their standards without financial strain.
In Carlock, IL, the speed and reliability of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice. These tests not only deliver swift results but also boast high accuracy in detecting substance use. Employers and institutions favor them for their precision and ability to uphold stringent testing protocols, ensuring dependable outcomes every time.
Employers in Carlock, IL, find peace of mind using hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and bolsters safety by reliably identifying substance use over extended periods. The rigorous standards upheld in this testing process fortify workplace environments while reducing potential liabilities.
