Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy timeline of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within a detection period of about 90 days. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for analysis. For EtG, supplementary tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It is best to measure the hair on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. When we specify head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, underarm).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage of inputting a sample into a lab’s platform. This process ensures that the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any missing data from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening acts as an initial, rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage for many samples, a positive outcome must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any sample that tests presumptively positive in Screening requires further confirmation.
If a specimen turns presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is used from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirming any positive results from Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entirety of the lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and is certified to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Joppa, IL: When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests, the former offers a much higher accuracy and reliability. Hair testing presents a more comprehensive history of substance use, whereas urine tests only provide short-term insights.
Hair tests eliminate many reliability issues traditional urine tests face, making them the preferred choice for those seeking thorough and dependable drug screening, especially for long-term detection.
Extended Detection Window in Joppa, IL: Hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection period, which can reveal up to 90 days of drug use history. This is particularly beneficial for employers seeking detailed insights into an individual's substance habits.
The extensive window equips decision-makers with a complete picture of drug usage, serving as a valuable tool in maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Joppa, IL: One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other drug tests, altering or adulterating the sample is highly improbable, ensuring that results remain reliable and irrefutable.
This makes hair testing an excellent choice for employers and agencies requiring trustworthy outcomes, reducing the likelihood of false negatives or manipulated results and providing peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Joppa, IL: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures that services are easily accessible, simplifying the process for both local and nationwide clients.
Whether in Joppa or elsewhere, clients find our locations both practical and hassle-free, making drug testing a seamless part of routine operations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Joppa, IL: The procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet, respecting individual privacy at every stage, from ordering to receiving results.
This ease of use and confidentiality helps alleviate concerns, making drug testing an approachable and non-intrusive experience for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Joppa, IL: Our competitive pricing structures, paired with prompt turnaround times, deliver excellent value for businesses, accommodating budgets of all sizes.
Clients benefit from cost-effective solutions without sacrificing speed or reliability, gaining both confidence and peace of mind from our efficient services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Joppa, IL: Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise outcomes, ensuring that all substance use is detected with superior accuracy. The process is streamlined to prioritize both speed and reliability, allowing individuals and businesses to trust the results they receive.
The high precision of hair tests provides a significant advantage over traditional methods, as every trace of substance use is uncovered efficiently. This rapid detection ensures timely decision-making for employers and other stakeholders.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Joppa, IL: Implementing hair follicle testing helps organizations adhere to drug-free workplace policies, significantly minimizing legal risks and advancing safety standards.
Employers benefit from this method's reliability and accuracy, knowing that they are fulfilling regulatory requirements and supporting a healthier, more secure work environment.
