Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a comprehensive history of substance use by integrating biomarkers within the strands of the maturing hair. A collection from near the scalp can reveal a detection period of around three months for alcohol and other substances. It’s straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmatory testing. For EtG, enhancements, and tests exceeding ten panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If head hair isn’t accessible, a proportional quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, this pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary steps in lab processing for a drug test outcome includes Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s framework. It involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, attributing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic custody record.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for abusive substances. Despite being an economical means to discount drug use for most samples, a positive result from Screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples deemed presumptively positive at Screening demand an additional confirmation phase.
Presumptive positives at the Screening phase progress by extracting additional hair from the original sample, setting it up for Extraction. Here, extraction from hair occurs at notably lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests in Downs, IL provide a superior alternative to conventional urine tests, thanks to their enhanced detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can reveal a substance's presence for a much longer duration.
The reliability of hair tests offers significant advantages, as they resist tampering more effectively than urine samples. As such, they remain a trustworthy measure for employers implementing zero-tolerance policies.
In Downs, IL, hair follicle testing grants an extensive detection window, offering an overview of substance use history up to 90 days. This long period provides a comprehensive assessment tool.
With such a vast time frame, employers gain insight into an individual's behavioral patterns concerning drug use. This longer window significantly benefits employment assessments.
Hair follicle tests in Downs, IL significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, leading to credible results that stand up to scrutiny. Unlike other methods, hair samples are challenging to manipulate.
The difficulty in tampering with hair samples ensures a higher level of dependability and accuracy, making this testing method ideal in maintaining the integrity of results.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing services with a network of locations nationwide, including Downs, IL, ensuring hassle-free and expedient testing.
Our strategically positioned centers enable quick and straightforward access, sparing you unnecessary travel time and making it easier to fulfill all testing requirements efficiently.
Our testing process in Downs, IL is designed to be simple and confidential, guaranteeing privacy throughout ordering, sample collection, and results reception.
We prioritize ease of access and confidentiality, allowing clients to confidently navigate the testing process with assurance that their information is securely managed.
Our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Downs, IL provide quality drug testing services that deliver exceptional value. Employers benefit from efficient and cost-effective solutions.
With competitively structured pricing, businesses of all sizes can easily incorporate our testing services, ensuring they receive excellent service without compromising on affordability or speed.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing guarantee fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes in Downs, IL. This method excels in identifying illicit substance use with high accuracy.
Hair follicle tests offer rapid results while maintaining their reputation for reliability. Their detailed analysis quickly confirms substance presence, offering essential information promptly.
These tests are efficient and precise, effectively detecting a range of substances, which ensures dependable and quick responses in Downs, IL.
Employers in Downs, IL benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential liabilities and enhancing workplace safety overall.
Incorporating hair testing supports legal obligations and creates a safer, more trustworthy working environment, providing employers with confidence and peace of mind.