Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective approach for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair offers up to roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, highly resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches in length and approximately 200 strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) collected near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels above 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's best to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. Head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. It verifies that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides an economical means to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be court-admissible. Any specimens initially testing positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex method to conduct.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples are washed as needed prior to Confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Hawthorn Woods, IL surpasses conventional urine tests in several ways. It offers unparalleled accuracy due to its extended detection period and reduces the likelihood of cheating. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, which can contribute to better decision-making in employment and legal environments.
In Hawthorn Woods, IL, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window, covering drug use up to 90 days prior to the test. This offers employers extensive insights into the long-term substance use patterns of applicants or employees, allowing for more informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the chances of sample tampering in Hawthorn Woods, IL, offering results that are both trustworthy and authoritative. The testing process minimizes opportunities for adulteration, ensuring confidence in the integrity of the findings.
The availability of numerous testing centers across the nation, including Hawthorn Woods, IL, makes hair follicle testing exceptionally accessible. It provides ease and convenience for those seeking quick and effective substance testing services, reinforcing a hassle-free experience for all clients.
Residents of Hawthorn Woods, IL can benefit from a straightforward and confidential hair follicle testing process. This user-friendly approach alleviates privacy concerns, ensuring that clients can order, test, and receive results with ease and confidence in the protection of their personal information.
In Hawthorn Woods, IL, hair follicle testing is not only fast but is offered at competitive rates, ensuring that organizations receive excellent value for their investment. Fast turnaround times further enhance the experience, making hair testing an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.
Hair follicle drug testing in Hawthorn Woods, IL provides a high level of precision that sets it apart from other testing methods. This technique ensures accurate identification of substance use, giving employers and individuals alike dependable results. When it comes to speed, hair testing can deliver timely answers without compromising on reliability.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hawthorn Woods, IL ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, promoting a safe and compliant environment. Employers gain peace of mind through reduced legal liabilities and enhanced workplace security by integrating this rigorous testing method.
