Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use, as biomarkers become embedded in the hair strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal historical substance use for up to three months. This method is straightforward to administer, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the hair. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be insufficient, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Referencing head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process includes these main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with entering a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial evaluation for substances of abuse. While it's a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation for legal purposes. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening uniquely challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, meets the standards set by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) for Hair and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Indian Head Park, IL, stands superior to urine testing by offering accurate and reliable results. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can detect drug use over extended periods, providing a holistic view of someone's substance history. This longer detection window makes hair testing a valuable tool for employers and legal bodies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Indian Head Park, IL, captures drug use history for up to 90 days. This broader timeframe is invaluable for employers who need a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past substance use, far surpassing the few days covered by traditional methods.
Hair follicle tests in Indian Head Park, IL, are inherently tamper-resistant, offering a reliable method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This feature ensures the results maintain their integrity and authenticity, crucial for personnel in sensitive job roles where accuracy is paramount.
With numerous testing centers in Indian Head Park, IL, and across the country, convenience is key. Our extensive network ensures that accessing drug testing services is quick, straightforward, and stress-free, accommodating the needs of both local individuals and nationwide employers.
The process of hair follicle testing in Indian Head Park, IL, is designed to be straightforward and private. From placing an order to undergoing the test and receiving results, each step is user-friendly while preserving confidentiality, directly addressing privacy concerns.
Indian Head Park, IL, boasts competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our pricing structure offers companies cost-effective solutions, ensuring quality results without financial strain, making it a smart investment for businesses of any size.
In Indian Head Park, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched accuracy and timeliness in detecting substance use. The precision of these tests ensures that even minimal drug levels are identified efficiently. With advanced technology, results are delivered quickly, allowing individuals and employers to make informed decisions in no time.
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Indian Head Park, IL, can comply with drug-free policies, thus enhancing workplace safety and reducing litigation risks. This proactive measure fosters a safe and productive environment while providing peace of mind about policy adherence.
