Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collecting hair from near the scalp offers approximately a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, not easily manipulated, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair is exclusive to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration than alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Heritage Lake, IL
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests, providing reliable results that reflect a longer history of substance use. In Heritage Lake, adopting hair tests enhances the screening process, minimizing the chances of misleading outcomes.
Extended Detection Window in Heritage Lake, IL
The hair follicle drug test is distinguished by its ability to detect substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers seeking a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee’s drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Heritage Lake, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant alternative to traditional testing methods. By significantly lowering the risk of sample tampering, they provide Heritage Lake employers with results that are both dependable and unassailable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Heritage Lake, IL
Our network of testing centers ensures that Heritage Lake residents have easy and convenient access to drug testing services. This nationwide presence eliminates hassle and provides quick solutions for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Heritage Lake, IL
In Heritage Lake, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the approach safeguards privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing common client concerns about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Heritage Lake, IL
Heritage Lake businesses benefit from competitive pricing and rapid result delivery in hair follicle drug testing. This combination promises excellent value and quick service for companies, ensuring peace of mind across all sectors.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Heritage Lake, IL
Hair follicle drug tests in Heritage Lake provide rapid and dependable results. Known for their precision, these tests detect substance use with high accuracy. This method ensures employers and individuals alike can trust the results for critical decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Heritage Lake, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing helps Heritage Lake employers adhere to drug-free policies and mitigate legal liabilities. This testing method supports a safer, drug-free workplace environment, offering peace of mind.
