Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a lengthy record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a history of drug and alcohol use spanning up to roughly 3 months. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and the sample is easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock containing around 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp amounts to 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation. When testing for EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to ascertain the specimen's weight. If scalp hair is not available, a matching volume of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finishes any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid preliminary test for substance abuse. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, any positive results from Screening must be validated to be valid in court. Thus, any samples with presumed positives in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a Screening return presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair during this stage at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is notably challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed for the Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. A review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation is completed for the entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Logan, IL
When weighing the benefits of hair follicle against urine tests, the former shines in Logan, IL. Hair testing not only boasts superior detection times for past drug use but also minimizes risks linked to sample tampering, making it an exceptionally reliable alternative in professional and legal settings.
Extended Detection Window in Logan, IL
Offering an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Logan, IL, equips employers with a thorough view of an individual's substance usage history. This wide timeframe is a key factor why many opt for this method to ensure a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Logan, IL
Hair follicle testing in Logan, IL, significantly curtails the chances of sample tampering, ensuring the results remain unquestionable and trustworthy. This method stands strong against common adulteration tactics, offering dependable testing for businesses and institutions alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Logan, IL
Logan, IL benefits from our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, offering seamless access to our services. Whether local or afar, our facilities provide efficient and hassle-free testing, ensuring you receive results promptly and without inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Logan, IL
Our hair follicle drug testing in Logan, IL, offers a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step is crafted to respect privacy while ensuring a simple experience that addresses any potential concerns with ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Logan, IL
Logan, IL businesses benefit from our competitive pricing and swift results with hair follicle testing. Our cost-effective offerings and rapid processing provide excellent value, offering peace of mind to companies of all scales, supporting their operational needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Logan, IL
Emphasizing precision and speed, hair follicle drug tests serve Logan, IL with reliable outcomes. These tests stand out with their high accuracy in detecting current and past substance use, delivering quick results that allow individuals and organizations to make informed decisions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Logan, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Logan, IL, assures employers of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety, businesses are empowered with the confidence that they are maintaining a secure and respectful environment.
