Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained a reputation as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug use by holding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When secured from the scalp area, hair can indicate up to a 3-month period of drug and alcohol usage. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's width), closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferable. We advise employing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair might be taken. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory system. This process verifies the sample's seal and shipping integrity, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical means to discount drug use in most samples, yet a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that preliminarily test positive in Screening require further Confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The entire testing process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", they actually analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Lindenwood, IL, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair analysis offers superior detection periods, reaching as far back as 90 days, compared to the short window available with urine tests. Additionally, hair samples provide a more reliable reflection of an individual's substance use patterns due to their resilience against tampering and the sheer length of historical detection they afford.
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing in Lindenwood, IL is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods that may only capture recent usage, hair testing can reveal drug activity up to 90 days prior. This means employers seeking to establish a comprehensive picture of an individual’s substance involvement can rely on hair testing to obtain this essential historical perspective.
The effectiveness of hair follicle drug testing is enhanced by its tamper-resistant nature, as observed in Lindenwood, IL. By minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests produce trustworthy and indisputable outcomes. This level of security is critical for organizations or institutions demanding unwavering integrity in their substance monitoring operations.
Accessing testing services is easy with our convenient nationwide and local locations in Lindenwood, IL. By offering a large network of facilities, we ensure that the process is both quick and hassle-free. This well-distributed infrastructure caters to the needs of individuals and businesses alike, making essential services readily available without unnecessary delays.
In Lindenwood, IL, our hair follicle testing service is structured around a simple and confidential process. We prioritize user privacy and ease of access by streamlining ordering, testing, and result retrieval procedures. This approach alleviates concerns regarding data protection and the overall user experience, ensuring peace of mind for all participants.
In Lindenwood, IL, providing affordable pricing and fast turnaround on hair follicle testing is a priority. Competitive rates, combined with the quick processing of test results, offer outstanding value for enterprises of varying sizes. These advantages bring assurance and fiscal sensibility to companies seeking effective substance monitoring solutions.
Precision and speed mark the benchmarks of hair follicle drug testing in Lindenwood, IL. These tests boast a high degree of accuracy, making them the preferred method for detecting substance use over an extended period. Not only do they provide reliable results, but the speed with which these analyses are conducted ensures that the inquiries into illicit substance use are dealt with promptly and effectively.
Providing employers in Lindenwood, IL with procedures fostering compliance and peace of mind, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This practice not only minimizes legal risks but also promotes safety and productivity within the work environment. Hair analysis serves as a foundation for established and transparent drug monitoring protocols.
