Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, is required to obtain 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and validation. For tests involving EtG, extra substances, and/or more than 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. The sample should be measured on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be gathered, an equal volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core steps in analyzing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample has been correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to check for drug usage. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, to be legally valid, a positive screen must be confirmed. Any sample showing potential positives in Screening requires a subsequent validation.
If Screening indicates potential positivity, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening complex to conduct.
Validation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before validation as necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Homewood, IL
When comparing hair testing to traditional urine tests, the benefits become clear. Hair tests detect substance use with much more accuracy and reliability. This is why many employers in Homewood, IL, prefer hair follicle tests, gaining insights into an individual's substance use history that's unavailable with other tests.
Extended Detection Window in Homewood, IL
One standout feature of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This lengthy period provides employers a clear view of an individual's substance use history in Homewood, IL, offering a comprehensive assessment of their behavior over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Homewood, IL
Hair follicle testing is notably effective at reducing the likelihood of tampering, offering dependable results. In Homewood, IL, this testing method's robustness provides clients with peace of mind, ensuring that the integrity of samples remains intact and results are authentic.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Homewood, IL
With an extensive network of testing centers, both nationally and locally in Homewood, IL, accessing drug testing services has never been easier. The convenience of our locations means quick and hassle-free testing services whenever you need them.
Simple, Confidential Process in Homewood, IL
The straightforward and confidential nature of hair follicle testing ensures participants in Homewood, IL, have no concerns regarding privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the process is straightforward, reinforcing ease and confidence in the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Homewood, IL
By offering competitive pricing and speedy turnaround, hair follicle testing in Homewood, IL, provides businesses of all sizes significant value. This ensures effective drug policy compliance without straining budgets, thereby enhancing peace of mind and operational efficiency.
Fast, accurate, and reliable results make hair follicle drug tests a top choice in Homewood, IL. By tracing substance use with precision, these tests deliver trustworthy findings. Whether for employers or personal use, the speed and accuracy of hair testing provide a crucial advantage over other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Homewood, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure that businesses comply with workplace drug-free policies. This commitment to safety translates to reduced legal risks and enhanced workplace environments, granting employers in Homewood, IL, peace of mind.
