Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered a vital method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair encapsulates a lengthy record of drugs and alcohol through the trapping of biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. If taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, harder to tamper with, and simple to mail.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from the vicinity of the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is encouraged. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair signify only scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of handling a drug test in a lab involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the sample's first processing step within a lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipping, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t cover.
Screening is a quick preliminary test for drug misuse. Although it is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening needs verification to stand in judicial proceedings. Samples with a tentative positive result from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should the Screening find a sample as tentatively positive, more hair is extracted and set for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations in the hair than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to perform.
Verification of a positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering drug testing options in Fairview, IL, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing. Hair testing provides a superior detection period and greater accuracy, with a detection window reaching up to 90 days. Urine tests may miss long-term users, while hair testing helps employers maintain a drug-free workplace efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in Fairview, IL boasts an extended detection window, capturing drug usage over a period that can extend up to 90 days. This feature offers employers a thorough insight into an individual's past substance use, empowering them with the information to make informed hiring decisions.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Fairview, IL is its tamper-resistant qualities, which significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration. Offering reliable, indisputable results ensures employers can trust the integrity of the drug testing process and maintain the standards of their workforce policies.
Fairview, IL benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of testing locations, ensuring convenient access to drug testing services. With centers strategically placed across the country, the process is quick, easy, and hassle-free, promoting efficient and widespread service availability.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Fairview, IL is both simple and confidential. Through an easy procedure of ordering, taking the test, and receiving results, the privacy of individuals is prioritized. This approach addresses concerns regarding sensitive information, ensuring a user-friendly experience.
In Fairview, IL, our hair follicle testing is competitively priced, coupled with a fast turnaround time. This combination provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of accurate and rapid drug testing without straining budgets.
In Fairview, IL, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable results is crucial. Hair follicle drug tests stand out with their precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests boast high accuracy, providing a comprehensive overview of one's drug history. For companies, this means consistency and confidence in evaluating potential or current employees' substance use.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Fairview, IL aids employers in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The added peace of mind that comes with reliable test results reduces legal risks and enhances safety, significantly contributing to a more secure and compliant work environment.
