Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for revealing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. If cut near the scalp, hair can suggest a detection window for drugs and alcohol of up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, added evaluations, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we specifically reference scalp hair whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure in the lab for processing a drug test comprised of four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the primary handling of a sample within a lab's workflow. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary quick test for drugs. Although Screening offers a low-cost means to discount drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court validity. Samples that test positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drug substances are isolated from hair at much lesser concentrations than with other methods (like urine or saliva), which accounts for hair drug screening being one of the most challenging testing methods.
Positive screening confirmations are carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle tests in Hickory Hills, IL, excel over traditional urine tests due to their superior detection capabilities. While urine tests can detect recent drug use, hair testing provides a more comprehensive historical view of substance use, covering a detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period makes hair testing a more reliable choice for employers and professionals.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Hickory Hills, IL, is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in duration, hair analysis can identify substance use over a 90-day period. This long detection time offers a full picture of an individual's substance habits, aiding employers in making better-informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Hickory Hills, IL, significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring more reliable results. The observed sample collection process and the nature of hair testing make it very difficult to tamper with results, providing confidence in the authenticity and accuracy of tests conducted.
With nationwide testing centers, including those in Hickory Hills, IL, our hair testing services offer unmatched convenience. Easily accessible testing facilities provide quick and hassle-free processes for individuals and employers, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
The hair follicle testing process in Hickory Hills, IL, is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from the ordering stage to receiving results. Clients can trust that their information is protected and the process is efficient, making it a preferred choice for both personal and professional needs.
Hickory Hills, IL, offers hair follicle testing that boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround. These strengths ensure that businesses of any size can access top-tier testing without straining resources, offering substantial value along with quick and reliable results.
The hair follicle drug test stands out in Hickory Hills, IL, for its precision and speed. This testing method provides fast results, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions quickly. The accuracy of hair analysis in detecting substances surpasses many traditional methods, ensuring reliable outcomes that you can trust.
Employers in Hickory Hills, IL, can achieve compliance with drug-free policies using hair follicle tests. These tests offer peace of mind by considerably reducing legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace. Additionally, they enhance safety by maintaining a drug-free environment for employees and clients alike.
