Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-lasting record of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair may supply up to around a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal specimen for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair might be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps involved in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a specimen into a laboratory system. This encompasses confirming that the specimen was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most specimens, a positive result requires validation to be accepted in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair substance screening is among the most challenging procedures to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Elizabeth, IL, demonstrates notable advantages over urine tests. Extended detection periods allow for a more comprehensive analysis of substance use, making it a favored choice for accuracy and reliability compared to traditional methods.
Employers in Elizabeth, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This offers a complete perspective on an individual’s substance history, enhancing insight into both applicants and employees.
Elizabeth, IL, relies on the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. With secure sample collection, it minimizes the risk of adulteration, providing confidence in the authenticity and reliability of the test results.
Enjoy the convenience of our testing locations across Elizabeth, IL, and nationwide. Our comprehensive network ensures easy access to testing services, providing quick and hassle-free testing experiences.
Our process in Elizabeth, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, alleviating concerns while guaranteeing discretion and efficiency.
Elizabeth, IL, benefits from our competitive pricing and swift turnaround in hair follicle testing. Our focus on affordability combined with quick result delivery provides excellent value and peace of mind for organizations of any scale.
In Elizabeth, IL, precision and rapidity define hair follicle drug testing. The method's high accuracy makes it a reliable choice for identifying substance use. Speed and accuracy are intertwined, ensuring swift detection and reporting, keeping you informed and ready to act swiftly when necessary.
Hair follicle testing aids Elizabeth, IL employers in compliance and peace of mind. Ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, it reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.
