Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, the hair offers a detection timeline of up to three months for alcohol and substances. It's straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equal to the girth of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp achieves a collection of 100mg of hair, deemed optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG screenings, enhanced tests, or panels exceeding ten, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is advised. A jeweler’s scale is ideal for measuring the specimen's weight. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be utilized. Note that references to head hair apply exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test result in the lab involves four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the primary processing of a sample within a laboratory setting. This step includes validating the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing other data entry tasks not covered by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening acts as an initial broad assessment for drug usage. Though this step is cost-effective in excluding drug usage for most cases, any positive results require further confirmation to ensure legal admissibility. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmatory testing.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, further hair is detached from the initial collection and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than those used in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive outcome from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples marked as presumptive positives are washed before proceeding to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed under both the CAP Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hindsboro, IL
Hair follicle tests surpass urine tests with superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine testing, hair analysis can find substances used months prior, converting it into an invaluable tool for employers. This testing method withstands efforts to manipulate results, ensuring an authentic insight into ongoing drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Hindsboro, IL
Hair follicle screening offers a much longer detection window compared to other testing techniques. It can trace substance use for up to 90 days, providing employers a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history. The extended tracking window makes it an essential tool for comprehensive background checks.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hindsboro, IL
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the likelihood of tampering, offering results that are both reliable and difficult to dispute. Compared to other testing methodologies, hair testing is less prone to adulteration, ensuring that the results reflect the true drug use of the individual.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hindsboro, IL
Our vast network of testing centers across the nation, including Hindsboro, ensures that access to testing services is effortless and straightforward. Wherever you are, there is a convenient center nearby, facilitating prompt and stress-free testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hindsboro, IL
Our hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and retrieving results, the journey is efficient and respects privacy. Such simplicity encourages more individuals to undertake testing without worrying about confidentiality issues.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hindsboro, IL
We offer competitive pricing structures combined with quick turnaround times, catering to businesses of any size. By providing value-for-money solutions, our services ensure that comprehensive testing is both cost-effective and timely, enhancing management efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hindsboro, IL
Our hair follicle tests stand out for their precision and rapidity. They provide highly accurate assessments of substance use, giving results that are both trustworthy and swift. Compared to traditional methods, hair testing ensures unparalleled reliability, offering rapid insights into an individual's substance use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hindsboro, IL
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby lowering legal risks. It contributes to a safer working environment by reliably screening for substance use, allowing firms to maintain integrity and security in their operations.
