Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as a significant method for detecting substance use. Hair serves as a long-standing record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands during hair growth. When taken close to the scalp, it can reveal substance use over about a 90-day period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, considered the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair implies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves checking the integrity of the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing information not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a quick preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical measure for negating substance use in most cases, any positive screen needs confirmation for legal proceedings. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require further validation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial batch is utilized for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid tests), which is why hair drug screening is considered complex.
The Confirmation phase for any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and traditional urine tests in Grand Detour, IL, the former stands out. Hair testing and its ability to detect a broader history of drug use ensures more reliable results. While urine tests may offer insight into immediate consumption, hair tests offer a more comprehensive perspective, making them invaluable to those prioritizing thorough drug-use analysis.
Grand Detour, IL, benefits from the expanded detection window of hair follicle testing, allowing for a review of drug use for up to 90 days. This long-term uncovering capacity supports employers who need a detailed view of their candidates' or employees' substance use history, thus promoting informed decision-making based on robust and extensive data.
In Grand Detour, IL, hair follicle testing is known for its resistance to tampering, offering trustworthy results that maintain sample integrity. Through this method, concerns associated with adulterated samples are substantially reduced, providing peace of mind to employers and organizations focused on obtaining credible test outcomes.
Offering convenient testing locations from Grand Detour, IL, and beyond, our nationwide presence guarantees swift access to hair follicle testing. This commitment to accessibility simplifies the process for clients seeking reliable test results without hassle, making it easy to connect with certified testing centers near you.
In Grand Detour, IL, the process of engaging in hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining test results, our clients can expect an easy-to-follow procedure that ensures privacy. Addressing these concerns effectively provides users the assurance of a smooth testing experience.
Grand Detour, IL, enjoys competitive pricing and fast service with our hair follicle tests. While maintaining high standards, we deliver quick turnarounds without sacrificing quality, offering excellent value for businesses, large and small, seeking budget-friendly and swift testing solutions.
In Grand Detour, IL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. These tests provide precise results swiftly, making them ideal for environments that demand both precision and quick turnaround times. By capturing traces of substance use effectively, they offer a reliable indicator of one's drug habits. The capacity to deliver dependable outcomes promptly enhances their reputation as an advanced testing option.
For employers in Grand Detour, IL, adopting hair follicle drug tests offers peace of mind and aligns with strict drug-free workplace policies. By ensuring compliance, these tests mitigate potential legal implications and address workplace safety effectively, fostering a secure and confident work environment for everyone involved.