Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a detailed account of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a nearly three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. It’s straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be gathered. When talking about head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Framework
The process in the lab for managing a drug test result comprises four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This entails verifying the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, allotting a random LAN (Laboratorial Accessioning Number), and concluding any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most samples, although a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening require another verification.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen and sent for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair in concentrations much lower than those in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex technique to conduct.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is supervised under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Reminder: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Herod, IL
Hair testing for drugs surpasses urine tests by offering superior accuracy and reliability. It captures a broader range of substances and presents a lower risk of tampering, resulting in a trusted alternative for employers and agencies enforcing strict no-drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Herod, IL
Hair follicle testing provides a significantly extended detection window, effectively tracing drug use for up to 90 days, thereby offering a comprehensive outlook of an individual’s substance use history, beneficial for employers seeking thorough assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Herod, IL
The hair follicle approach significantly minimizes the potential for sample tampering. This makes the results highly reliable and credible, offering assurance in drug testing outcomes, particularly where authenticity is paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Herod, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers provides convenient access to drug testing. Whether nationwide or local to Herod, individuals and employers can quickly and easily access these services without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Herod, IL
The process from ordering to receiving results is straightforward and private. We prioritize confidentiality and convenience to address privacy concerns and ensure ease of use for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Herod, IL
With competitive pricing and quick result turnaround, our services provide excellent value for businesses regardless of size, ensuring timely and budget-friendly drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Herod, IL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precise and swift outcomes, enhancing their reputation for accuracy in substance use detection. Unlike traditional methods, hair analysis offers quick, dependable results, ensuring efficient decision-making processes for employers and individuals in Herod.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Herod, IL
Employers can rest assured with hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and augments workplace safety and compliance, offering peace of mind.
