Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers of alcohol and other substances, serving as a long-term record within the fibers of the strand. When collected from the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is uncomplicated, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially entered into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigns a random laboratory accessioning number (LAN), and fills in any data entry gaps not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug use. While cost-effective for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, positive screening results require confirmation to be valid in court. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand without involving the scalp follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lincolnwood, IL
Hair testing offers a significant edge over traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy. The ability to uncover drug use over an extended period ensures that the results are more reliable, reflecting a comprehensive assessment for substance use rather than a snapshot offer by urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Lincolnwood, IL
With the capability to detect drug use over up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance use. This extended detection period is invaluable, providing a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance history, which is not possible with short-term urine testing.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lincolnwood, IL
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the probability of sample tampering. The test's design makes it challenging to alter, ensuring that the results are reliable and conclusive. This quality is particularly important for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lincolnwood, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country guarantees that accessing services is both swift and straightforward. Whether in Lincolnwood or beyond, clients can expect hassle-free testing at locations nearby, ensuring maximum convenience and minimal disruption to their schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lincolnwood, IL
The process of ordering and undertaking a hair follicle test is streamlined to ensure simplicity and confidentiality. Clients can trust in the privacy of their information and ease of access to services, alleviating concerns associated with drug testing procedures, from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lincolnwood, IL
Our competitive pricing makes hair follicle testing accessible for businesses of any size, ensuring excellent value. Coupled with quick turnaround times, this affordability provides peace of mind and operational efficiency, underscoring our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lincolnwood, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift, precise outcomes. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, offering dependability that supports informed decision-making in a variety of settings. The testing process ensures quick results without compromising on thoroughness, presenting an advantage in time-sensitive scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lincolnwood, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure that workplace drug policies are enforced effectively. By reducing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety, employers gain peace of mind knowing they are compliant and protecting their business and workforce from potential drug misuse issues.
