Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about a #2 pencil thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" covers all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four core stages in the lab process of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a specimen into the lab’s procedures. This comprises verifying that the sample was sealed and handled correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data inputs not provided by an electronic chain system.
Screening represents an initial, rapid review for abusive substances. While it's a cost-efficient tactic to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for court validity. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial segment for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples go through washing prior to confirmation as warranted. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though termed "hair follicle tests," the examination actually targets the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, hair follicle testing reigns supreme over traditional urine tests. Unlike a urine test, hair testing triumphs with unmatched reliability and detection accuracy, offering a substantial inspection window of drug use across a broader time frame. This factor ensures that while urine tests might only capture recent activity, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview.
Employers in Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, opt for hair follicle tests due to their extended detection capabilities, covering up to 90 days of substance history. This extensive window offers a detailed account of any drug use, providing a broader understanding than other methods. The test's long-term scope is invaluable in assessing applicant or employee reliability.
Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, embraces hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant qualities. Unlike other tests, hair samples are hard to adulterate, assuring untouched and credible results. This robustness minimizes any risk of manipulation, making it a trustworthy testing method. Individuals can have full confidence in the process, knowing the integrity of results stands firm.
In Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, comprehensive testing services are readily accessible. Accredited Drug Testing boasts testing centers nationwide, making it seamless for individuals and companies to secure hair follicle testing services. This widespread availability ensures a straightforward and stress-free testing process, removing any geographical obstacles clients might face.
Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, appreciates the simple, confidential approach to hair follicle testing. Navigating from order to result is straightforward and respects privacy, addressing concerns over data protection and anonymity. Clients receive clarity and ease throughout the entire procedure, maintaining their discretion and ensuring hassle-free experience.
Competitive pricing and rapid service define hair follicle testing in Fox River Valley Gardens, IL. Businesses of all scales benefit from cost-effective solutions and swift turnaround times, enhancing the overall value proposition. The affordability coupled with quick results means companies can uphold drug-free policies without financial strain.
Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, benefits from the swift and precise outcomes of hair follicle drug testing. Known for its rapid turnaround and high accuracy, this method can confidently detect any substance use. Clients can rely on these results, assured that the testing captures an accurate picture of drug use history, thus eliminating doubts regarding reliability and efficacy.
With hair follicle testing, employers in Fox River Valley Gardens, IL, gain compliance and peace of mind. This testing method aligns with strict drug-free workplace policies, providing a legal safeguard and promoting workforce safety. By adopting hair tests, the risk of legal conflicts reduces, ensuring a compliant and harmonious working environment.
