Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Coulterville, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains biomarkers from alcohol and drugs within the fibers as it grows, offering a detailed long-term history. When gathered near the scalp, hair reveals a detection window extending up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's best to verify the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean solely scalp hair. Body hair includes all other kinds of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug test result processing comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample arrives sealed and intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. This stage provides a cost-effective measure to exclude drug presence in most samples, though a positive screening demands further confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

For presumptive positives in the Screening process, further hair is extracted from the sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.

Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair analysis reveals drug usage for up to 90 days, which surpasses the shorter detection period associated with urine tests.
• Hard to tamper with: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, enhancing the reliability of the results.
• Shows historical usage: It displays a timeline of drug intake rather than just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection of drugs in hair generally requires 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Individual traits like hair color and growth rate can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coulterville, IL

• Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over urine tests.
• The extended detection window is incomparable, capturing use over 90 days.
• Accuracy minimizes false positives, ensuring consistent data.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Coulterville, IL

• Hair follicle tests detect drug use over a longer span, offering a broad view of an individual's past substance activities.
• These tests cover up to 90 days, surpassing the reach of traditional urine tests.
• Employers gain insights into an applicant’s or employee’s history, strengthening trust.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coulterville, IL

• The nature of hair tests significantly curtails the likelihood of sample tampering.
• Collection under observation ensures results remain untainted.
• This reliability reassures both employers and participants of the test's integrity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Coulterville, IL

• Our expansive network of testing centers ensures quick, seamless access to services.
• Local and nationwide facilities guarantee hassle-free testing experiences.
• This availability is crucial for prompt, effective drug test administration.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Coulterville, IL

• Our approach ensures ordering, testing, and results are straightforward and confidential.
• The entire process respects individual privacy at all stages.
• Participants can feel secure with the level of confidentiality ensured.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coulterville, IL

• Competitive pricing and quick result delivery offer substantial value.
• Affordability without compromising quality aids businesses of all sizes.
• Rapid turnaround times sharpen decision-making processes essential to operations.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coulterville, IL

• The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures highly accurate detection of substance use.
• Unlike traditional tests, this method swiftly yields results, facilitating timely decisions.
• Such tests are invaluable for maintaining a substance-free workplace.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coulterville, IL

• Employing hair follicle tests helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free mandates.
• This minimizes legal concerns and fosters a safer working environment.
• Such measures bolster confidence among managers and staff alike.

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