Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have become recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers in their fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide an approximate detection period of three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches made up of about 200 hair strands, approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil, located closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing. For EtG, added tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for accurate weighting of the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Other hair refers to all remaining types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in laboratories involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial sample processing into a laboratory system, involving the verification of proper sample sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to rule out usage in the majority of samples, positivity in screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with presumption of positivity in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
For samples presumed positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is used and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a complex methodology.
Confirmations of any positive screening are executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards of ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Latham Park, IL is apparent due to higher detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair follicle testing offers an Extended Detection Window in Latham Park, IL.
It captures drug use indicators over a period of up to 90 days.
This capability supplies employers a thorough evaluation of current or prospective employees' drug use history, aiding informed decision-making.
Such extended analysis contrasts with traditional urine tests that are limited to recent usage insights.
The Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Latham Park, IL ensures sample integrity.
Hair follicle tests significantly lower risks associated with sample adulteration, often seen in urine tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local options are available in Latham Park, IL.
This accessibility simplifies the testing process, making it straightforward and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Latham Park, IL promotes privacy and ease in drug testing.
The procedures for scheduling, conducting, and receiving test outcomes are streamlined.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Latham Park, IL offer unmatched value.
Competitive rates accompany our efficient testing services, ensuring quality without inflated costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Latham Park, IL are a hallmark of hair follicle drug tests. These tests provide swift results through a meticulous analysis that lowers chances of error.
Hair tests stand out due to their precision; they effectively identify substance use patterns within an extensive timeframe, ensuring their reputation for reliability.
The seamless integration of speed and accuracy signifies their critical role in professional drug testing scenarios.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Latham Park, IL rests with hair follicle testing.
Such an approach ensures adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, thereby mitigating legal complications.
