Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands preserve a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding markers within the fibers of the growing hair. When sourced from near the scalp, hair samples can offer nearly a 3-month observation period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result process includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although Screening efficiently evaluates most samples, legal admissibility requires confirmation of positive findings. Samples with positive Screening results need subsequent verification.
For presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is readied for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations than other modalities (e.g., urine or oral fluid), exemplifying the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Confirmatory procedures include pre-washing presumptive positives as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests in Lake Barrington, IL. Primarily, hair tests provide an extensive detection window, giving a better representation of drug use history. While urine tests are limited in timeframe, hair tests' accuracy is unparalleled for identifying ongoing usage patterns, making it an ideal choice for employers who demand comprehensive background checks.
Employers in Lake Barrington, IL benefit greatly from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. This method effectively identifies drug use spanning up to 90 days, offering a meticulous overview of an individual’s behavior. It allows employers to make informed hiring and retention decisions based on a substantial assessment of the applicant or employee's history.
The hair follicle testing method in Lake Barrington, IL, drastically minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results. Given its reliance on hair samples rather than fluids, it becomes nearly impossible to tamper with. This trustworthiness makes hair tests a favored choice among employers and legal authorities seeking unaltered, genuine results.
Convenience and accessibility define our testing services in Lake Barrington, IL, with nationwide and local testing centers available. Our extensive network assures quick and effortless access to hair follicle testing services. This widespread reach offers the flexibility needed for businesses and individuals alike, ensuring hassle-free testing at a nearby location.
In Lake Barrington, IL, we prioritize a straightforward, confidential process for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests. Our system safeguards privacy at every stage, from appointment setting to receiving results. This streamlined approach addresses any privacy concerns, enhancing the user experience by ensuring ease of use without compromising confidentiality.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Lake Barrington, IL, provide excellent value. We cater to businesses of varying sizes, offering budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality or speed. Employers benefit from both the affordability and the efficiency of our services, receiving timely results within budget constraints.
In Lake Barrington, IL, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its remarkable speed and accuracy. This method is renowned for precisely identifying recent substance use with swift results delivery. Employers seeking reliable adjudications will find hair follicle tests superior to traditional techniques. Results are rapidly processed, enabling timely decisions based on accurate and trustworthy data.
In Lake Barrington, IL, utilizing hair follicle testing aids companies in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This reliable method mitigates legal risks and bolsters workplace safety. Employers enjoy the peace of mind knowing that each test is an accurate reflection of an employee’s substance use status, thereby reinforcing a safe and compliant work environment.
