Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome entails four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. It is a cost-efficient means to rule out drug use in most samples, but a positive result in Screening needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
For presumptive positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial batch and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory flow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine? In Gages Lake, IL, the debate is clear. Hair tests triumph with their superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, they uncover drug use over longer durations. Employers seeking accurate insights will find hair testing compelling. Such clarity provides an unmatched safeguard against inaccuracies of traditional urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is unparalleled in Gages Lake, IL. Employers receive a thorough view of an individual's substance history, going back up to 90 days. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into an employee's behavior, helping make informed decisions without the limited scope of other tests.
Reducing sample tampering is key to reliable results. Hair follicle tests in Gages Lake, IL, are almost immune to adulteration, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. Unlike other methods susceptible to meddling, this testing technique provides unassailable results, fostering confidence in its accuracy and integrity.
Featuring an extensive network of testing centers, Gages Lake, IL, enjoys convenience at its best. Nationwide accessibility ensures prompt, hassle-free service. Individuals can quickly access testing without complications thanks to our strategically located facilities, facilitating smooth and efficient processes.
Engage with a simple and confidential testing process in Gages Lake, IL. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease. Concerns about personal data are put to rest, ensuring a worry-free experience that respects users' privacy and offers clarity throughout the journey.
Our affordable pricing in Gages Lake, IL is complemented by rapid turnaround times. Catering to companies of all sizes, our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value. Clients rest easy knowing they have opted for cost-effective solutions that don’t compromise on quality or speed, reinforcing confidence in every test.
Renowned for their precise and swift outcomes, hair follicle drug tests in Gages Lake, IL stand apart. Their high accuracy in spotting substances brings unparalleled reliability. Speed and trustworthiness go hand in hand, ensuring clients stay informed with clarity about potential substance abuse cases. These tests ensure every trace of drug use is meticulously detected.
Employers can enjoy peace of mind with hair follicle testing in Gages Lake, IL. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies is made simpler. By minimizing legal risks and boosting safety, businesses remain compliant, creating a secure environment. The assurance accompanying this testing method supports seamless operations.