Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It captures a long-term overview by preserving biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, it resists tampering, and is convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for diagnostics and confirmation. For EtG, ancillary tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" strictly denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample into the laboratory’s system. It involves confirming that the sample was sealed and transported accurately, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a rapid initial check for substance abuse. While it proves a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much reduced concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is regarded as more challenging.
Positive screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Cornell, IL surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. It achieves superior detection accuracy, showcasing its reliability. Employing hair analysis offers a broader detection window, essential for thorough evaluations that urine tests might miss, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive substance assessments.
Employers in Cornell, IL benefit significantly from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. With the ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, this method provides a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, proving invaluable for informed decision-making regarding employment and workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method of screening in Cornell, IL. By significantly decreasing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable and undisputable results, thus ensuring the integrity of the substance detection process and reinforcing trust in testing outcomes.
With a network of nationwide testing sites, including locations in Cornell, IL, our services offer convenience and accessibility. These centers ensure that drug testing is conducted swiftly and efficiently, simplifying the process for clients and guaranteeing hassle-free access to high-standard testing facilities.
In Cornell, IL, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to conducting and receiving the results, the steps are clear and secure, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use for all participants.
Accredited Drug Testing in Cornell, IL offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This balance of affordability and speed provides significant value, allowing companies, regardless of size, to access effective drug testing services without compromising on quality or cost.
In Cornell, IL, hair follicle drug tests shine due to their precision and speed. Offering fast and accurate results, these tests are pivotal in detecting substance use with high reliability. This method highlights both the efficiency of the testing process and the accuracy of the findings, ensuring that the results are both timely and trustworthy.
Incorporating hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind to employers in Cornell, IL. This testing method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies and mitigates legal risks, contributing to a safer and more compliant working environment, thereby fostering overall organizational well-being.
