Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive historical account of alcohol and other drugs as biomarkers are encapsulated within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reflect up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we're specifically talking about scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage across most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal proceedings. Any samples that indicate a positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging procedures to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment evaluates the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Supercedes Urine Testing in Decatur, IL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Decatur, IL, offers enhanced detection capabilities. The superior accuracy and reliability make it a viable option for employers enforcing non-tolerance policies.
The extended detection period of hair tests surpasses urine tests, offering a detailed view of substance use, benefiting organizations seeking thorough analysis.
Expanded Detection Window in Decatur, IL
Hair follicle testing provides a remarkable detection period of up to 90 days, granting employers insight into longer-term substance usage patterns.
This extensive window gives companies a clearer picture of a candidate's drug history, guiding informed hiring decisions in Decatur, IL and beyond.
Secure and Tamper-Proof Testing in Decatur, IL
By significantly reducing the chances of result manipulation, hair follicle tests provide a reliable sample, making them a trustworthy choice for accurate drug testing.
These secure methods ensure the outcomes remain consistent and indisputable, offering peace of mind to those depending on the results.
Convenient Testing Centers Across Decatur, IL
Our nationwide facilities, including those in Decatur, IL, offer straightforward access to drug testing services, ensuring convenience.
The extensive network ensures quick and efficient processing, catering to both local and wider needs effectively.
Confidential and Simple Process in Decatur, IL
Ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is discreet and uncomplicated, focusing on privacy and simplicity.
This streamlined process alleviates any concerns related to privacy, ensuring ease and confidentiality throughout the testing experience.
Budget-Friendly Pricing with Quick Results in Decatur, IL
Affordable pricing coupled with fast turnaround times sets our hair follicle drug tests apart, providing value for companies regardless of their size.
This synergy of cost-effectiveness and speedy service ensures satisfaction, making it an attractive choice for economic drug testing solutions.
Fast and Exact Results in Decatur, IL
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speedy and precise outcomes, essential for making important decisions. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances with high precision makes them an invaluable tool for both employers and individuals.
With cutting-edge technology, the accuracy of these tests ensures confidence in the results, thereby making them a preferred method for drug detection in Decatur, IL.
Ensuring Compliance and Tranquility for Employers in Decatur, IL
Hair follicle tests help uphold non-tolerance workplace policies, decreasing potential legal challenges and bolstering safety.
These measures provide employers a sense of reassurance and security by adhering to necessary compliance guidelines effortlessly.
