Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by preserving biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use extending back approximately 3 months. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen accurately. If scalp hair isn’t an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. In discussions of head hair, we mean scalp hair solely, whereas body hair refers to all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This comprises confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective means of excluding drug use across most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in court. Any samples with presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples displaying presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation as required. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the subscalp hair follicle.
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Chebanse, IL, hair testing emerges as superior in both detection and reliability. Hair tests offer a much longer detection window and greater resistance to tampering, giving employers a more accurate perspective on an individual's substance history. This makes hair testing a preferred option over traditional urine tests, ensuring thoroughness in drug screening processes.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing makes it an exceptional choice in Chebanse, IL. With the ability to identify drug use over a 90-day period, employers gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits, far exceeding the capabilities of urine tests. This longer detection period is crucial for accurately assessing an applicant's or employee's long-term drug use history.
Hair follicle tests in Chebanse, IL provide a significant advantage by minimizing the risk of tampering. These tests are nearly impossible to cheat due to the observed collection process and the inherent properties of hair samples. By choosing hair testing, employers receive reliable and unquestionable results, fostering trust in the drug testing process.
With convenient nationwide and local locations in Chebanse, IL, accessing hair follicle testing services is simple and hassle-free. Accredited centers across the nation guarantee quick and easy testing experiences, removing geographical barriers and making it accessible to individuals and companies seeking reliable drug testing services.
In Chebanse, IL, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease of use in mind. Individuals can expect a seamless experience that respects privacy while ensuring accurate and timely results, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality.
The hair follicle testing options in Chebanse, IL offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions, while quick processing times guarantee that clients receive results promptly. This balance of affordability and efficiency is ideal for companies looking to maintain a reliable drug testing program.
In Chebanse, IL, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing dependable results quickly. With rapid processing times, hair tests ensure timely and accurate information, making them an ideal choice for those seeking reliable drug testing outcomes.
For employers in Chebanse, IL, hair follicle testing offers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safe work environment. This method ensures adherence to stringent drug testing standards, giving employers peace of mind and contributing to an effective and responsible workforce.