Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is easy to perform, typically hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of hair 1.5 inches in length, consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), will yield 100mg, which is the perfect amount for screening and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, body hair in an equivalent quantity can be used. "Head hair" implies only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core phases in processing drug test results in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage involving the integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary review for drug abuse indications. Though it’s a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug presence in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed to be valid in court. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening must undergo a further confirmation step.
If a sample shows a presumed positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original batch for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Positive results in the screening process are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any sample testing positive is carefully washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly assessed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kinsman, IL
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests that provide a snapshot of recent usage, hair tests present a comprehensive overview of substance use over an extended period. This enhanced accuracy and reliability make hair testing an optimal choice for thorough drug screening in the Kinsman area.
Extended Detection Window in Kinsman, IL
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a long period – up to 90 days. This long-term detection feature allows employers in Kinsman, IL to gain a detailed understanding of an individual’s substance history, ensuring a well-informed hiring or retention decision-making process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kinsman, IL
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the likelihood of sample tampering, delivering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. In Kinsman, IL, this method offers peace of mind, knowing that the testing process is secure and the outcomes are dependable, ensuring authenticity and trust in the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kinsman, IL
Our expansive network of testing centers ensures easy access to testing services for residents and businesses in Kinsman, IL. With locations nationwide, our facilities offer convenience and efficiency, making it straightforward and hassle-free for anyone needing a hair follicle test to locate and utilize our services, near and far.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kinsman, IL
Conducting a hair follicle test is both simple and private. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the process is designed to maintain confidentiality and user-friendliness, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Individuals in Kinsman, IL can trust this process to be straightforward and secure, ensuring peace of mind at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kinsman, IL
We provide competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, offering great value for businesses of all sizes in Kinsman, IL. Our affordable hair follicle testing not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also rapid result delivery, supporting efficient and effective decision-making in a timely manner.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kinsman, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and highly accurate detection of substance use. These tests outshine traditional methods with their speed and precision, ensuring quick and dependable results. In Kinsman, IL, individuals and organizations can rely on hair tests to swiftly identify substance presence, thus facilitating timely decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kinsman, IL
Employers in Kinsman, IL can enhance workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. By reducing potential legal risks, businesses can maintain a safer environment with the assurance that they are meeting regulatory standards and promoting a culture of accountability and peace of mind.
