Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
As a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol usage, hair testing has become increasingly recognized. Hair contains a prolonged historical record of alcohol and other substances by enclosing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When harvested close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A specimen of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a quantity of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In cases where scalp hair is not obtainable, a proportional amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in the lab processing of drug testing outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase involves the initial induction of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data inputs not covered through an electronic chain of custody approach.
The Screening stage consists of a swift preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy for dismissing drug consumption in the majority of samples, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate an ensuing confirmation process.
When a sample registers as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is collected from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are drawn out from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than those found in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is notably the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmatory tests for any positive screening outcomes employ techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positives undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing surpass traditional urine examinations in Essex, IL? Primarily, hair tests present a longer detection timeline, offering a more comprehensive substance use history. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair testing maintains its accuracy up to 90 days, making it a superior choice for long-term substance assessment and providing peace of mind with its enhanced reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Essex, IL, extends its detection timeframe, capturing drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history. Such a comprehensive approach is crucial for meticulous evaluations, offering insights far beyond the limitations of shorter-duration tests, thus ensuring informed and responsible decision-making.
The hair follicle test stands out in Essex, IL, as an exceptionally tamper-resistant method. Its design inherently minimizes sample adulteration risks, delivering results that are reliable and unquestionable. This robustness makes it a preferred choice for accurate substance detection, ensuring confidence in the findings and significantly reducing the chances of manipulation or deceit.
With a network of convenient testing centers nationwide, including local options in Essex, IL, our services offer unparalleled accessibility. Whether you're an individual or a business, the ease of access ensures that testing is quick, simple, and hassle-free. The strategic locations guarantee that comprehensive drug testing services are always within reach, accommodating your needs efficiently.
In Essex, IL, the hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed for ease of use. Privacy concerns are addressed with utmost respect, ensuring a discrete and comfortable experience. This user-friendly approach makes it accessible to all, providing reassurance and confidence in handling sensitive matters.
Our testing services in Essex, IL, boast competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, catering to businesses of all sizes. This affordability, combined with swift result delivery, offers excellent value. Clients can trust in both the quality and efficiency of the service, ensuring they receive prompt and reliable results without compromising on cost-effectiveness, thus enhancing overall satisfaction.
In Essex, IL, the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests lies in their speed and precision. They expeditiously detect substance use with remarkable accuracy, sparing no detail. The meticulous analysis process ensures results are delivered swiftly, affirming their status as the gold standard in drug testing. The ability to produce fast, accurate findings underscores their unparalleled reliability in substance detection.
Employers in Essex, IL, achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks while promoting safety. Its thoroughness ensures that policies are not only enforced but are also effective, fostering a secure and compliant workplace environment that benefits everyone involved.
