Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair offers a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This covers verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial prompt check for substance abuse. While Screening provides a budget-friendly solution to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is obtained from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Herrick, IL, stands out as a superior method over urine tests due to its unmatched detection capability. This method exceeds traditional urine tests by identifying long-term drug use, ensuring higher accuracy and reliability.
Employers benefit greatly by choosing hair testing. Where urine tests fall short, hair tests provide clear insights into an individual's drug use history, highlighting extended usage patterns and offering unparalleled reliability.
The extended detection window, up to 90 days, makes hair follicle testing in Herrick, IL, an invaluable tool. Employers are provided with a detailed substance history, aiding in informed decision-making regarding applicants or current employees.
This comprehensive view is crucial for screening, as it reveals usage patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed with traditional testing, giving employers an edge in maintaining workplace integrity.
Hair follicle tests in Herrick, IL, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. The procedure minimizes risks of sample alteration, providing trustworthy results that withstand scrutiny.
Employers and courts favor this method due to its reliability and the assurance that the results are genuine and unaltered. This makes the hair test an essential element in maintaining the credibility of testing outcomes.
Testing accessibility is seamless in Herrick, IL, with widespread national centers offering convenient service options. Ensuring easy and reliable access to testing decreases stress for businesses and individuals.
The nationwide presence facilitates prompt appointments, highlighting the importance of swift service to meet testing needs efficiently, supporting overall business operations smoothly and uninterruptedly.
The hair follicle testing process in Herrick, IL, is designed to be straightforward and confidential, alleviating privacy concerns. Ordering, sampling, and receiving results are handled discreetly, ensuring user confidence.
This seamless process highlights the user-friendly approach, allowing individuals to engage in testing without stress, knowing their information is managed securely and responsibly.
Competitive pricing and prompt turnaround define the affordability of hair follicle tests in Herrick, IL. These elements deliver exceptional value to companies of any size, fostering peace of mind.
Organizations benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. These timely results ensure businesses are equipped with the necessary information swiftly, reinforcing efficient decision-making processes.
In Herrick, IL, hair follicle tests deliver swift and precise results. These tests offer the highest level of accuracy when detecting substances, crucial for decision-making in sensitive scenarios.
Professionals relying on these tests applaud the prompt delivery of results, a significant advantage over other testing methods. The reliability and speed ensure quick processing, making them indispensable for employers and organizations.
In Herrick, IL, hair follicle testing represents a commitment to compliance and safety in the workplace. By implementing this testing method, employers can confidently uphold drug-free policies and minimize legal risks.
This approach not only ensures adherence to regulations but also promotes a culture of safety and peace of mind, reinforcing the company's commitment to a secure working environment.
