Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a viable method for discerning drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of alcohol and drug exposure by entrapping markers within the strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers nearly a three-month window for detecting drug and alcohol use. This method is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (equating to a #2 pencil in size) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG tests, additional screenings, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp strands, while "body hair" encompasses all other types, like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab process for drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This process involves confirming sample seal integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary information that isn't included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical for eliminating drug use in most cases, a positive screen needs subsequent verification to be valid legally. Any sample that shows a positive indication in Screening demands further confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the main sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves pulling out drugs from hair at much lower levels compared to other testing forms (such as urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screens is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples testing positive on preliminary screens are thoroughly cleansed before confirmation if required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strands and not the follicle residing beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Against Urine Testing in Justice, IL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicles offer notable advantages, such as extended detection accuracies and consistent reliability. Hair testing far surpasses urine methods due to its robust detection accuracy, offering more reliable results every time.
Employers requiring dependable drug testing solutions can benefit greatly from the significant advantages offered by hair follicle methods over standard urine tests.
Longer Detection Window in Justice, IL
Hair follicle testing's extended detection capability extends up to 90 days, offering employers an extensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance use history.
This comprehensive detection window provides a valuable tool for employers aiming to assess long-term substance use patterns, ensuring informed decision-making in the workplace.
Secure, Tamper-Resistant Testing in Justice, IL
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering, ensuring results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
By employing this secure testing method, organizations can trust in the authenticity and credibility of their substance testing results, bolstering policy compliance and reliability.
Convenient Testing Location Access Across Justice, IL and Beyond
Our nationwide network of testing centers offers seamless access to testing services, ensuring quick, easy, and stress-free solutions.
With both local and far-reaching facilities, Accredited Drug Testing bridges convenience and reliability, offering hassle-free drug testing options for all needs in Justice, IL.
Clearcut, Private Processes in Justice, IL
Our straightforward and private method for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality.
We address privacy concerns while ensuring user-friendliness for all clients, providing a stress-free experience from start to finish whenever testing services are needed.
Competitive Prices and Quick Results in Justice, IL
Our cost-effective pricing models and rapid turnaround times ensure excellent value and peace of mind for enterprises of all scales.
Accredited Drug Testing satisfies budget-conscious clients without sacrificing quality, ensuring expert and swift service in substance detection and testing.
Swift, Precise, Dependable Results in Justice, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are second to none in terms of speed and precision when detecting substance use. Their unrivaled accuracy sets them apart as a premier choice for reliable substance detection.
The capacity of hair tests to provide fast and accurate results ensures a high level of trust and dependability for those requiring substance detection services in Justice, IL.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Justice, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps maintain adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and boosting workplace safety.
By implementing robust and reliable testing methods, employers can minimize risks and promote a safe and secure working environment for all members of their teams.
