Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When acquired close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferable. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of the sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment are intact, generating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing outstanding data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial, cost-effective assessment for drug presence. Although it aids in ruling out drug use for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Presumptive positive results in Screening warrant further confirmation.
When Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests the most complex to conduct.
A positive screening result is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before Confirmation as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation receives a review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often used is a misnomer; the test assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Delafield, IL, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing by virtue of its wider detection window. While urine tests are limited, hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, offering superior accuracy and reliability. This extended timeframe helps employers make informed decisions by providing a broader picture of an individual's drug history.
Moreover, hair follicle tests minimize false negatives, which are more common with urine tests due to their shorter detection period. This makes hair testing a more dependable choice for organizations that prioritize maintaining a drug-free environment. It also ensures peace of mind knowing that the testing method offers higher detection accuracy.
In Delafield, IL, hair follicle testing's value lies primarily in its extended detection window. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can uncover drug use up to 90 days back, presenting employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance use history. This broader detection scope allows employers to better evaluate a candidate's or employee's long-term behavior.
The extended window ensures that drug use is not narrowly assessed within the confines of recent days. Instead, hair follicle testing furnishes a multi-month timeline, aiding employers in making informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining workplace integrity and safety standards.
In Delafield, IL, the hair follicle testing method offers a robust defense against the risks of sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily adulterated, hair tests significantly reduce this possibility, providing reliable and indisputable results. With hair tests, the potential for substitution or dilution is nearly non-existent.
This tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing ensures that the results are accurate and trustworthy. Employers can be confident in their test outcomes, knowing that the integrity of the samples is preserved, leading to true representations of the individual's substance use history.
Delafield, IL, benefits from convenient access to nationwide and local hair follicle testing locations, enhancing ease of use. Accredited Drug Testing's centers are strategically placed across the country to offer quick and hassle-free testing services. Whether locally or nationwide, getting tested is a straightforward process, available to individuals and businesses alike.
This accessibility reduces the logistical challenges often associated with drug testing. Individuals and companies can efficiently engage in the testing process, ensured of rapid results and minimal disruption to daily activities, bolstering an individual or employer's efforts in maintaining safety.
In Delafield, IL, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and secure, prioritizing ease and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is streamlined, allaying concerns about privacy and complexity. This seamless process enhances user experience, ensuring a comfortable and efficient testing journey.
Clients can rest assured knowing their privacy is protected throughout the process. Results are delivered with discretion and accuracy. The simplicity of this process not only encourages widespread adoption but also strengthens confidence in the test's integrity and effectiveness.
In Delafield, IL, our hair follicle testing services are paired with competitive pricing and rapid turnarounds, ensuring excellent value for businesses of any size. Companies benefit from the balance of affordability and high-quality services, making hair testing an attractive option for thorough substance surveillance.
With quick result delivery, businesses can efficiently incorporate testing without disrupting their schedules. This cost-effectiveness, combined with speed, provides businesses the assurance of both financial prudence and robust drug testing methods to maintain a safe workplace environment.
In Delafield, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and quick turnarounds. Unlike urine tests, which can sometimes be unreliable, hair testing boasts high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring trustworthy results. Typically, results from hair follicle tests are available swiftly, allowing timely decision-making for employers and organizations.
This reliability stems from the scientific method behind hair analysis, which provides a detailed timeline of drug use. Employers benefit from fast and reliable results, making hair testing the gold standard for those seeking conclusive evidence of drug use, enhancing workplace safety and efficacy in screening processes.
In Delafield, IL, hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, enhancing compliance and security. This method minimizes legal risks and strengthens workplace safety, thus promoting a culture of responsibility and trust. Utilizing hair tests aligns with strict industry standards and advances corporate responsibility.
By choosing hair testing, employers demonstrate their commitment to sustaining a healthy and productive workforce. Furthermore, the comprehensive reporting that accompanies hair follicle tests offers peace of mind, ensuring employers that their workplace remains compliant and safeguarded.
