Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for various substances. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Ensure the specimen is weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial management of a sample within a lab's system. This process verifies that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a swift preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical process to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for courtroom acceptability. All samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further validation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexities of hair drug screening.
For any positive Screening outcome, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as appropriate. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lee, IL: Hair testing is superior to traditional urine tests, providing enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests offer short-term detection, hair follicle testing provides a clearer insight into drug use history. Employers and institutions favor hair testing as it not only covers an extended detection window but also minimizes cheating potential, offering a dependable evaluation of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Lee, IL: Hair follicle testing presents a unique advantage with its ability to detect drug use over a considerably longer timeframe, often up to 90 days. This allows employers in Lee, IL to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. The extended window provides insight beyond what shorter-term tests like urine can offer, valuable for thorough assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lee, IL: One major benefit of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. In Lee, IL, this method greatly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring results are trustworthy and unquestionable. The testing process is closely monitored, making it extremely difficult to alter or compromise samples, thereby upholding the test integrity effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lee, IL: Our services provide easy access to hair follicle testing through multiple nationwide and local centers in Lee, IL. The convenience of having numerous locations ensures quick and hassle-free testing experiences, enabling individuals and employers to easily comply with testing requirements without extensive travel or wait times.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lee, IL: The hair follicle testing process in Lee, IL is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, administering, and receiving results is managed with utmost privacy, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. Participants can have confidence in a smooth and discreet testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lee, IL: We provide competitive pricing for hair follicle testing with quick result turnaround times in Lee, IL. Our offerings present excellent value for companies regardless of size, making it an ideal choice for those seeking budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality and reliability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lee, IL: Hair follicle drug testing stands out as an efficient and precise method for identifying substance use. In Lee, IL, this testing method offers notably high accuracy, ensuring that results are both quick and dependable. The advanced technology utilized in hair testing detects even minute traces of drugs, offering a level of precision unparalleled by other methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lee, IL: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly lowering legal risks. In Lee, IL, this form of testing enhances workplace safety by offering a reliable method to track substance use, providing peace of mind and security for employers and their teams alike.