Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is esteemed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged timeline of alcohol and substance use by encasing biomarkers within its growing fibers. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to modify, and uncomplicated to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches, typically around 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, equates to approximately 100mg, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is suggested to collect 150mg of the sample. It's advisable to utilize a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair not be present, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This step includes verifying that the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening involves a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical way to rule out drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally acceptable. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in the Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at concentrations notably lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is notably challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment analyzes the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing shines above traditional urine tests in Gilman, IL, for several reasons. Its superior detection accuracy extends the capability to unearth substance use from weeks to months ago—a critical advantage over urine tests with shorter detection windows. Reliability is another factor, as hair tests minimize the risk of tampering or dilution faced by urine testing, rendering them more trustworthy overall.
Offering a much extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Gilman, IL, provides insights covering substance use history up to 90 days prior. This comprehensive view aids employers in evaluating potential candidates or current employees, revealing consistent use patterns rather than recent abstinence alone. The ability to look back is invaluable in making informed, strategic decisions.
The rigorous methodology of hair follicle tests in Gilman, IL, significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering or adulteration. Conducted within controlled environments, these tests ensure authenticity, giving employers and courts peace of mind. By offering results almost impervious to manipulation, hair testing delivers reliable, unquestionable outcomes that uphold integrity and trust.
Convenience is at its peak with our testing centers available nationwide and in Gilman, IL. This widespread availability simplifies the process, making drug testing quick, easy, and hassle-free for both employees and employers. With local locations readily accessible, you can benefit from the same reliable services without delay, enhancing efficiency in maintaining workplace safety standards.
The process of hair follicle testing in Gilman, IL, is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to test-taking to receiving results, each step is structured to preserve privacy and ease. This streamlined approach assures individuals and organizations of a seamless experience, addressing any concerns regarding security and personal data confidentiality effectively.
In Gilman, IL, hair follicle testing not only delivers on accuracy and speed but also on affordability. Competitive pricing structures ensure that companies, regardless of size, can access high-quality testing without breaking the bank. The fast turnaround means employers have the insights they need promptly, adding value through peace of mind and strategic decision-making capabilities.
In Gilman, IL, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing are unmatched, offering swift and reliable results. These tests are highly accurate in detecting a range of substances, ensuring those results reflect true substance use history. The rapid pace of lab processing combined with top-tier accuracy means you can trust the results' authenticity and dependability, clearing doubts and delivering fast insights.
Employers in Gilman, IL, ensuring alignment with drug-free workplace policies find hair follicle testing indispensable. It supports compliance, reducing potential legal ramifications and bolstering safety. By adopting this method, businesses significantly lower the risk of hiring or retaining substance users, contributing not only to policy adherence but also fostering a safer work environment.
