Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can show a detection window for alcohol and other drugs of up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to send.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) clipped near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those over 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equal volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s framework. This step includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test aimed at identifying drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means of excluding drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. At this step, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples marked as presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation, dependent on necessity. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lake Fork, IL, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The enhanced detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it a superior choice. By analyzing hair samples, which provide a longer detection window, the method offers a more detailed insight into substance use, making it a preferred option for comprehensive assessments.
Employers in Lake Fork, IL appreciate the extended detection period that hair follicle testing provides, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This comprehensive view ensures that employers can make informed decisions based on an individual's long-term substance use patterns, which urine tests cannot offer, thus aiding in thorough evaluations.
Hair follicle testing in Lake Fork, IL offers a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. By significantly minimizing the risk of sample alteration, this method offers results that are both reliable and beyond dispute. The certainty it provides is crucial for employers and authorities who require undeniable data to ensure safety and compliance.
With a plethora of testing sites nationwide, including in Lake Fork, IL, convenience is paramount. These accessible locations ensure that individuals and organizations can quickly and effortlessly avail themselves of drug testing services, thus reducing the hassle typically associated with testing processes.
The process of hair follicle testing in Lake Fork, IL is simple and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, confidentiality is a priority, ensuring users feel secure about their privacy. The user-friendly approach makes the experience seamless, providing peace of mind regarding both privacy and ease.
In Lake Fork, IL, the affordability and rapid turnaround of hair follicle testing are key benefits. Competitive pricing paired with quick result delivery offers excellent value, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking cost-effective and efficient solutions without sacrificing quality or peace of mind.
The swiftness and precision of hair follicle testing in Lake Fork, IL is unrivaled. Its high level of accuracy stands out when detecting substance use, providing quick and dependable outcomes for those who depend on it, including employers and legal entities. The method ensures that results are both fast and reliable, maintaining a reputation for delivering precise information swiftly.
For employers in Lake Fork, IL, utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces potential legal liabilities and bolsters workplace safety by offering a reliable means of compliance. This process provides leaders with confidence and peace of mind as they uphold organizational policies.
