Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch portion comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (approximate thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in laboratory processing for a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing of a sample within the laboratory system. This process verifies the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial swift assessment for substance misuse. While Screening economically rules out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that are initially positive in Screening must have secondary confirmation.
If a sample registers a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are assumed positive are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing:
Extended Detection Window:
Unlike conventional short-range drug tests, hair follicle testing in Hodgkins, IL offers an extensive detection period spanning up to 90 days. This provides employers with comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history. The prolonged detection window of hair testing empowers employers to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's potential past substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method:
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations:
Simple, Confidential Process:
In Hodgkins, IL, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and ensures confidentiality. From ordering a test to taking it and receiving results, each step is designed with user privacy and simplicity in mind. This streamlined process alleviates concerns about privacy breaches and enables individuals and organizations to focus on what matters most—the results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround:
The expediency and precision of hair follicle drug testing in Hodgkins, IL set it apart from alternative drug testing methods. With its ability to deliver fast and accurate results, hair testing ensures a reliable assessment of substance use. The extensive capability of hair analysis to accurately detect substances is coupled with a rapid result processing time, providing reassurance for employers and other stakeholders in need of timely information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers:
Employers in Hodgkins, IL gain confidence and peace of mind through hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances overall workplace safety. With hair testing, employers maintain compliance with regulations and demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe, productive environment for all employees.
