Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective resource for detecting drugs and alcohol usage. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers, hair offers a comprehensive history of substance consumption. If obtained near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about 90 days for both alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch portion, approximately 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil), ensures 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG add-ons and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weight measurement is suggested. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab testing process encompasses four crucial phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the sample's intake into a laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for potential drug presence. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive indication requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.
If Screening results suggest a positive, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at considerably diminished levels compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive sample is cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Charleston, IL
Hair follicle testing provides several advantages over traditional urine testing. It allows for superior detection accuracy, as substances remain in hair much longer than in urine. This prolonged detection window enables employers to identify recurring usage, which urine tests may miss due to their shorter detection span.
Furthermore, hair tests are less easily manipulated compared to urine tests. While methods to cheat urine tests are abundant, hair tests undergo stringent observation and collection protocols, ensuring reliability and integrity of results for Charleston-based employers and judicial bodies.
Extended Detection Window in Charleston, IL
A major benefit of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a much longer span—up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers Charleston, IL employers insight into an individual's substance use history over several months, compared to a few days reported by urine tests.
This detection capability is invaluable for creating comprehensive employee profiles, enabling employers to better assess potential risks associated with hiring or retaining individuals who may have a history of substance use, thus ensuring a safer workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Charleston, IL
Hair follicle testing is exceptionally resistant to tampering, a significant advantage that ensures reliable results in Charleston, IL. The naturally embedded chemicals in hair make it difficult to alter or conceal, whereas urine samples can be adulterated or substituted with ease.
This tamper-proof characteristic guarantees the integrity of test results, providing employers and legal entities with trustworthy data. This feature supports stringent compliance with drug-free policies, enhancing the assurance of workplace and public safety.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Charleston, IL
The expanse of our testing centers nationwide, including availability in Charleston, IL, offers unmatched convenience for individuals and employers. Ensuring swift and straightforward access to testing services, this widespread reach facilitates hassle-free testing procedures, accommodating urgent and routine needs seamlessly.
Our strategically located centers mean less time spent traveling and waiting, upholding the values of convenience and efficiency in managing substance testing obligations for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Charleston, IL
The hair follicle testing process in Charleston is straightforward and confidential, addressing users' privacy concerns proficiently. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the protocols safeguard participant anonymity while ensuring ease of use.
This direct yet secure approach encourages participation, eliminating apprehension or complications that might deter individuals from engaging in essential drug testing, maintaining user trust and confidentiality throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Charleston, IL
We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing structures for hair follicle drug testing in Charleston, IL. Combined with swift turnaround times, our services provide exceptional value for businesses of all sizes looking for reliable and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
By balancing affordability with efficiency, we support businesses in maintaining efficient operations without stretching budgets, delivering results that help them stay compliant and informed swiftly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Charleston, IL
Hair follicle drug tests yield quick, precise results, making them a favorable option for detecting substances in Charleston, IL. Unlike traditional tests, they minimize delay in getting results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. Their precision and reliability form the backbone of effective substance abuse prevention strategies in workplaces and communities.
The ability to quickly process and interpret results without compromising on accuracy makes hair follicle testing an invaluable tool for employers. These tests deliver thorough results, reflecting usage patterns over extended periods, thereby helping organizations make informed decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Charleston, IL
Employers in Charleston benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only adheres to legal requirements but also reinforces organizational safety standards, curbing potential substance abuse-related incidents.
By adopting hair testing, employers gain peace of mind knowing they are utilizing one of the most effective screening methods available, significantly reducing legal risks and elevating the overall safety and productivity of their work environment.
