Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing for detecting drug and alcohol usage has gained recognition as an effective method. Hair can reveal long-term drug and alcohol histories by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and additional substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, and it's somewhat resistant to tampering, making it convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, roughly 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" includes all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result include four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry not supplemented by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it offers an economical means of ruling out drug usage in most samples, any positive results from a screen must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require additional confirmation testing.
If a Screening result is presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the testing analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests?
In Loxa, IL, hair follicle testing provides a more reliable and accurate assessment of substance use compared to traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window with Hair Testing
Located in Loxa, IL, our hair follicle tests can reveal drug use over a prolonged period, giving employers insight into an individual's substance use history.
Secure Hair Follicle Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Loxa, IL, reduce the risk of tampering and adulteration, ensuring sample integrity.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide
With testing centers throughout the nation and in Loxa, IL, we ensure easy accessibility for your testing needs.
Simple and Private Hair Testing Process
Our straightforward and confidential testing procedure in Loxa, IL, ensures peace of mind for all clients concerned about privacy and ease of service.
Cost-effective Testing with Quick Results
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Loxa, IL, providing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes.
Precision and Speed in Hair Follicle Testing
In Loxa, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable accuracy and swiftness. These tests are highly efficient in detecting substance use, offering employers and institutions prompt, trustworthy results they can rely on.
Maintaining Compliance and Safety
In Loxa, IL, using hair follicle testing is an important step for employers to ensure they adhere to drug-free workplace policies, safeguarding their enterprises from potential legal complications.
