Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section with approximately 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both analysis and confirmation. For EtG enhancements, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is recommended. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The overarching steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into a lab's framework. This process includes verifying the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to stand in court. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a specimen shows presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening as one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lynwood, IL, is becoming the gold standard over urine tests. The advantages are clear; accuracy and reliability are far superior. While traditional urine tests are limited, hair tests offer a more comprehensive detection capability. This makes them invaluable for employers who cannot afford to compromise on screening effectiveness.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Lynwood, IL, offers employers an extended view of potential substance abuse. This broader timeframe gives a more in-depth look at an applicant or employee's history. The advantage is clear: a clearer picture over longer periods rather than just recent weeks.
In Lynwood, IL, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant alternative to traditional testing methods. The nature of hair samples drastically reduces the potential for sample tampering. This reliability ensures that results are not only accurate but also unquestionably trustworthy, crucial for maintaining high standards of integrity.
With numerous centers, our nationwide presence ensures fast access to testing in Lynwood, IL. The convenience of having testing locations locally allows for quick and effortless service. This extensive network means that testing is reachable for everyone, removing the hassle of finding a reliable center.
Ordering a hair follicle test in Lynwood, IL, is a simple and confidential process. Ensuring ease of use, every step, from taking the test to receiving results, respects privacy. Companies and individuals alike can order tests with confidence, knowing that their information remains secure and their privacy maintained.
Affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times make our hair follicle testing options in Lynwood, IL, highly attractive. The value offered extends beyond the cost, providing fast results without compromising quality. For organizations of all sizes, this ensures that resources are optimally utilized.
In Lynwood, IL, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing offers rapid and highly accurate results, ensuring substance use is confidently identified. The reliability of these tests makes them a preferred choice for companies seeking swift and clear outcomes without compromising on detail.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Lynwood, IL, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Beyond compliance, it reduces legal risks and helps improve workplace safety. The peace of mind that comes with knowing testing methods are thorough and compliant is invaluable for employers in maintaining a secure work environment.
