Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a prolonged record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use over roughly a three-month period. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) situated closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG tests, additional panels, and/or assessments surpassing 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When speaking about head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory setting include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This stage verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be viable in legal contexts. Samples presumed positive during Screening require further confirmation.
For samples presumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to perform.
Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Dorchester, IL stands out compared to traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are common, they only detect recent drug use. Hair tests, however, provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's history thanks to their extended detection window and resistance to evasion attempts, ensuring more truthful and accurate outcomes.
In Dorchester, IL, hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection window, reaching up to 90 days, making it particularly useful for employers seeking a thorough assessment of an applicant's or employee's drug history. The expanded detection capability provides a more exhaustive review of substance use patterns, thereby supporting sound decision-making processes in recruitment and employment continuity.
Hair follicle tests in Dorchester, IL, significantly minimize the chance of sample tampering, leading to unchallengeable and trustworthy results. The collection process is meticulously observed, further diminishing any risk of adulteration, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the test. This method ensures reliable detection, satisfying rigorous testing standards and providing peace of mind regarding test authenticity.
In Dorchester, IL, Accessibility is a priority with our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. This facilitates easy, swift, and stress-free access to testing services. This vast reach ensures that individuals and employers can quickly locate nearby facilities, making hair testing a convenient and readily available option for all.
The hair follicle testing process in Dorchester, IL, is straightforward and confidential, easing concerns around privacy and usability. Ordering, undergoing tests, and receiving results is designed to be a hassle-free process, preserving confidentiality at every step to address privacy concerns while ensuring ease and simplicity for users.
With competitive pricing and prompt result delivery, hair follicle testing in Dorchester, IL provides value and assurance for businesses of all sizes. The quick turnaround time on test results helps organizations manage their staff efficiently, while the cost-effective pricing structures offer economic advantages, ensuring excellent value and reliability.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures rapid and reliable results in Dorchester, IL. With advanced technology, hair testing can accurately detect a wide array of substances, providing quick and trustworthy results. This efficient testing method aids in maintaining a secure environment with dependable drug use detection, helping employers and individuals make informed and timely decisions.
Implementing hair follicle tests offers employers in Dorchester, IL compliance with drug-free workplace regulations. By opting for hair testing, companies can effectively reduce legal repercussions linked to substance abuse while enhancing workplace safety. This testing method supports adherence to workplace policies, providing assurance and fostering a secure organizational environment.
