Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a significant means for revealing alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands are a repository for drug and alcohol indicators, captured within their fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history for a period of up to three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
To obtain an optimal sample for analysis, collect a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG enhancements, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is suggested. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. All other types are classified as body hair (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four critical phases in the laboratory assessment of a drug analysis: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the preliminary treatment of a specimen within the laboratory’s protocol. This process encompasses confirmation of appropriate sealing and dispatch of the sample, generating an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further information input not encompassed by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial expeditious examination for substance use. Although Screening is an economical strategy for ruling out substance utilization across most specimens, a positive outcome requires further authentication for legal acceptability. All samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
Should a specimen present a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to alternative approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of executing hair drug analysis.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation, if required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and adheres to the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
Across Chatham, IL, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests in several aspects.
In Chatham, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a standout feature. While urine tests cover recent use, hair tests examine usage up to 90 days prior. This provides employers a broader perspective on an applicant's or employee's substance involvement, assisting in making better hiring or compliance decisions.
The hair follicle test employed in Chatham, IL significantly minimizes tampering risks. Unlike other methods, these tests thwart adulteration attempts, providing outcomes that are trustworthy and credible. Their inherent robustness against sample manipulation bolsters the reliability of the results, ensuring a secure and dependable testing process.
Accessing testing centers is straightforward, even in Chatham, IL, thanks to our nationwide reach.
Understanding the need for privacy and simplicity, our hair follicle testing process in Chatham, IL is crafted to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result delivery, each step is secure, ensuring privacy concerns are addressed. User-friendly procedures make the testing experience comfortable and easy for all involved, ensuring discretion is maintained at all times.
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Chatham, IL make hair follicle testing an economically viable option. Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable rates, ensuring excellent value without compromising on quality. Featuring prompt results, our services provide reassurance and cost-effectiveness, contributing to overall business efficiency.
In Chatham, IL, hair follicle drug testing offers remarkable precision and swiftness. With unmatched accuracy, these tests successfully detect substances, ensuring results you can trust. Their quick processing time means decisions can be made faster, aiding both employers and individuals in timely manner.
Moreover, hair tests' high accuracy reinforces their status as a reliable tool in substance use detection.
Employers in Chatham, IL find peace of mind through hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace standards. By reducing legal risks, it enhances workplace safety, providing assurance to both employers and employees. Implementing these tests supports healthier workplace practices, underscoring an organization's commitment to providing a safe, productive environment.
