Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a significant method, hair testing efficiently identifies the use of drugs and alcohol. This technique offers an extended timeline for the presence of substances due to biomarkers being captured within the strands of hair as it grows. When a sample is taken near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage spanning up to about 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send for analysis.
An ideal sample comprises a 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, offering 100mg of hair for precise screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Lacking scalp hair, equivalent body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four critical phases in processing drug test outcomes in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating the sample into a lab's framework. This ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishes any leftover data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Though Screening efficiently rules out drug intake for many samples, a confirmed result is necessary for legal use. Any sample with a presumptive positive from Screening needs further confirmation.
For samples identified as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair in much smaller quantities compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), indicating the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole laboratory procedure is audited according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO/IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Champaign, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a higher degree of accuracy and reliability than traditional urine tests. With a superior detection window and detailed analysis, they can identify drug use more effectively. This makes them a preferred choice for employers and professionals seeking to maintain high standards of workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Champaign, IL
Hair follicle testing provides a much longer timeline for detecting substance use, up to 90 days. This extended period offers employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, helping in informed decision-making and maintaining a safe workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Champaign, IL
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering, offering trustworthy and indisputable results. Their design ensures the integrity of the sample remains intact from collection to analysis, making them a reliable choice for objective drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Champaign, IL
With numerous testing centers nationwide, including Champaign, IL, quick and easy access to testing services is ensured. Our facilities are designed to provide a seamless experience, assuring users a hassle-free process that accommodates busy schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Champaign, IL
Our testing process is straightforward and maintains confidentiality at every step. This ensures that individuals have privacy and peace of mind throughout ordering, testing, and receiving results. It addresses major concerns around privacy and ease of use in drug testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Champaign, IL
We offer competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times, providing exceptional value for companies of any size. Clients benefit from budget-friendly options without compromising on quality or speed, ensuring peace of mind and quick, reliable testing results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Champaign, IL
Hair follicle drug tests in Champaign, IL, are renowned for their precision and speed. Offering meticulous accuracy in detecting substance use, they surpass earlier methods by far. Results can be obtained swiftly, making decisions timely and effective, whether for personal, professional, or legal needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Champaign, IL
Employers can achieve compliance and peace of mind by using hair follicle testing to maintain drug-free workplace policies. These tests reduce legal risks and boost safety, fostering a secure and harmonious work environment for everyone involved.
