Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can present a comprehensive history of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fiber of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a three-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be accessed, an equivalent body hair sample may be taken. By "head hair," we mean scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening presents a cost-efficient approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
If a sample is suspected positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most intricate technique to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Effingham, IL, the reasons why hair follicle testing often surpasses urine testing stem from its unparalleled efficacy. Hair tests boast greater detection accuracy compared to traditional urine methods, ensuring more reliability and precision in discovering drug use. By choosing hair testing, employers and authorities benefit from reduced margins of error and enhanced trust in the results.
Employers in Effingham, IL gain significant benefits from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. This method can identify drug use for up to 90 days, providing a thorough overview of an individual's substance consumption history. Such extended analysis helps employers make informed decisions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's drug use profile.
Hair follicle tests in Effingham, IL, are invaluable due to their resistance against sample tampering. This robustness ensures that the results provided are unquestionably reliable, minimizing the risk of adulteration. Employers and legal entities favor this method for its assurance of integrity, guaranteeing that neither the process nor the outcomes can be undermined by external interference.
Convenience is key with our testing solutions in Effingham, IL, thanks to a broad network of nationwide and local locations. This expansive reach offers unmatched ease of access to testing services, facilitating a seamless process for those in need. Quick, efficient, and straightforward, our centers eliminate hurdles associated with securing a reputable site for testing.
Effingham, IL, residents appreciate the straightforward, confidential process we offer for hair follicle testing. Our system, from ordering through to result delivery, is designed with user privacy and simplicity in mind. Privacy concerns are addressed with care, ensuring every client experiences a smooth, discreet, and hassle-free procedure.
In Effingham, IL, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle testing deliver exceptional value. Companies benefit from affordable rates and rapid results, making it a cost-effective solution suitable for all business sizes. These advantages reinforce peace of mind, promising quality without compromising budgetary considerations.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, precise, and trustworthy outcomes in Effingham, IL. This testing method is highly admired because it provides high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that individuals receive quick and confident results. Unlike other methods, follicles reveal detailed and reliable traces of usage, streamlining the process for concerned professionals and individuals alike.
In Effingham, IL, adopting hair follicle testing brings employers considerable peace of mind concerning compliance. By leveraging this method, businesses ensure adherence to mandated drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities. This proactive approach not only enhances workplace safety but also fortifies the company's commitment to maintaining a wholesome and secure environment.