Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection timeline for substances. Hair is easy to gather, fairly challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the foundational handling of a specimen into a lab’s database. This process ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. While it is an economical method to rule out drug usage on most samples, a favorable screen requires confirmation for admittance in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If a sample emerges presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and processed for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dixon, IL
The robust nature of hair testing offers peace of mind for those implementing or requiring such tests.
Extended Detection Window in Dixon, IL
Hair follicle testing paints a clearer picture of chronic substance use patterns, helping in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dixon, IL
This testing method offers a secure and reliable solution against common tampering techniques.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dixon, IL
The convenience of our locations minimizes disruption and makes testing accessible.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dixon, IL
This approach ensures individuals feel secure and at ease throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dixon, IL
Clients appreciate the balance of affordability and dependability delivered by our services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dixon, IL
This testing method is efficient, ensuring timely results without compromising accuracy.
Our facilities in Dixon are equipped to deliver rapid and precise results you can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dixon, IL
Employers benefit from reduced liabilities and enhanced safety with this method.
