Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective option for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers insight into long-term drug and alcohol history by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft. A sample taken near the scalp provides up to a 90-day detection period for substances. With a straightforward collection process, it's tough to tamper with and simple to transport.
To conduct a screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil width) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimum sample size. For EtG, additional panels above 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Measuring the hair on a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary laboratory procedures for producing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is integrated into the laboratory's records. It ensures that the sample remains sealed and is correctly shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any extra data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. Although a cost-efficient method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in the Screening process require a follow-up confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples in Screening have additional hair extracted from the initial sample for Extraction, where drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of positive screenings is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are pre-washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation pursuant to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Irving, IL, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior detection capability and reliability over traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, picking up on drug use from as far back as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a much shorter range. This extended period provides a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance use history.
In Irving, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a game-changer in substance use analysis. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, hair tests offer employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's habits. This breadth of coverage is invaluable for making informed employment decisions, ensuring a thorough understanding of an employee's substance history.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Irving, IL, minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering a more tamper-resistant solution. This method of testing is virtually foolproof against cheating, providing reliable and unquestionable results. Such integrity in testing ensures complete trust in the outcomes, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal authorities seeking dependable data.
In Irving, IL, the convenience of our nationwide network of testing centers cannot be overstated. Easily accessible and hassle-free, these locations ensure prompt provision of drug testing services. Whether local or across the nation, having quick access to our centers guarantees that no time is wasted in securing necessary testing, making compliance simpler for everyone.
The process for hair follicle testing in Irving, IL is straightforward and maintains confidentiality at every step. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to be seamless, addressing concerns regarding privacy and user-friendliness. This simplicity ensures that everyone can comfortably navigate their testing needs without undue stress.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Irving, IL, appealing to businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions, combined with prompt results, provide excellent value and peace of mind, ensuring organizations can maintain health standards without budgetary strain.
Hair follicle drug tests in Irving, IL provide accurate, fast, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering a powerful tool for employers and individuals alike. With quick turnaround times, these tests ensure that critical decisions can be made without delay, further underscoring their efficiency and dependability in a testing landscape.
For employers in Irving, IL, utilizing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies, subsequently lowering legal risks and heightening workplace safety. This method aligns with regulatory standards, provides peace of mind, and fosters a secure environment, essential for maintaining operational integrity and employee well-being.
