Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and other substances through the retention of biomarkers in the strands of the hair. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the hair specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be sourced. When speaking of head hair, we mean only the hair from the scalp. Body hair covers all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening presents an economical means to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in a legal context. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If the Screening stage finds a sample presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screen outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the actual test analyzes the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing the benefits of hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Hopkins Park, IL, the former stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Hair testing offers greater accuracy and reliability, capturing a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage over time, unlike urine tests which only reveal short-term use.
Hair follicle testing in Hopkins Park, IL provides an extended detection window that surpasses most testing methods. By tracing drug use up to 90 days, hair tests offer employers a more thorough insight into an employee's potential substance habits, enabling informed decision-making with comprehensive data.
In Hopkins Park, IL, the hair follicle test is renowned for its tamper-resistant methodology. This mode of testing significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration, leaving little room for manipulation. As a result, employers and authorities can depend on the integrity and accuracy of the results obtained.
The presence of convenient testing centers nationwide, including those in Hopkins Park, IL, ensures ease of access to testing services. Clients benefit from quick and hassle-free services, with the support of our widespread network that simplifies the testing process.
In Hopkins Park, IL, hair follicle testing is characterized by its simple and confidential process. Clients can easily order, complete, and receive test results, with privacy being a top priority. The smooth, transparent procedure ensures concerns are addressed with ease.
Accredited Drug Testing in Hopkins Park, IL offers affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Clients appreciate our commitment to competitive pricing without compromising on quality or speed.
In Hopkins Park, IL, the precision and speed of hair follicle testing set it apart as a method of choice. These tests provide quick and accurate results, becoming a preferred tool for reliable detection of drug use. In comparison to traditional methods, the efficacy and quick turnaround of hair testing methods prove invaluable in maintaining workplace integrity.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Hopkins Park, IL provides employers with compliance and peace of mind. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, companies reduce legal risks, ensuring safety and reliability within their teams, thus fostering a secure and efficient work environment.
