Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a comprehensive history of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol intake for up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is an uncomplicated process, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp constitutes 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While it is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for courtroom acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests, hair testing emerges superior due to its advanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may focus on recent usage, hair tests provide a broader view of an individual's drug history. In Lerna, IL, the long-term detection capabilities of hair tests make them a more dependable choice for employers seeking thorough drug screenings.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Lerna, IL, spans up to 90 days, showcasing its ability to give an in-depth look at the substance history of an applicant or employee. This broader timeframe provides employers with a better understanding of long-term drug use patterns, making hair tests an invaluable tool for comprehensive employment screenings.
Hair follicle tests in Lerna, IL, present a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly minimizing chances of sample adulteration. The method provides reliable and credible results that are hard to question. This resistance to tampering ensures that the outcomes truly reflect the individual's drug use, offering peace of mind to employers.
Our nationwide testing centers, including local ones in Lerna, IL, ensure convenient and hassle-free access to drug testing services. These centers provide easy and swift testing options, making it convenient for individuals and companies alike to undergo needed tests without any unnecessary delays. The accessibility of these locations streamlines the testing process efficiently.
In Lerna, IL, the hair follicle testing procedure is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to obtaining results, the process is straightforward and protects privacy. This ease of use gives peace of mind to individuals and organizations alike, ensuring that concerns about confidentiality and simplicity are thoroughly addressed.
In Lerna, IL, our hair testing services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. These attributes offer excellent value, ensuring that companies of varying sizes can benefit from our services without strain on their financial resources. With competitive rates and speedy results, businesses can maintain both budgetary and operational efficiency.
Hair follicle drug tests in Lerna, IL, are praised for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests provide precision and speed in identifying substance use, making them a top choice for many organizations. By detecting traces of drugs efficiently, they ensure confidence in the outcomes. With swift processing and high accuracy, hair tests stand out as a preferred method.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Lerna, IL, provides employers with compliance and peace of mind regarding drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and boosts workplace safety by ensuring adherence to established policies. This testing method supports professional environments aiming to maintain zero-tolerance policies while upholding high standards of safety and compliance.
