Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Detecting drug and alcohol use effectively has been made possible through hair testing. This method offers a comprehensive history of substances like alcohol by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of up to three months. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is scarce, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically indicating scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a specimen into a lab's system. This step entails confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is an economical way to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples presenting a presumptive positive in Screening require a confirmatory follow-up.
A sample showing presumptive positivity during Screening prompts additional hair extraction from the initial sample for further analysis. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than methods such as urine or oral fluid testing. This makes hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmed positive Screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny adhering to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle itself.
In Mendon, IL, hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests through enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window and are less prone to tampering, making them a more dependable option for substance screening.
With hair follicle testing in Mendon, IL, employers benefit from a prolonged detection period, up to 90 days. This allows for a more thorough assessment of an individual's drug-use history, providing a clearer picture of their substance habits.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle tests in Mendon, IL, is their resistance to tampering. This method greatly minimizes the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that test results are both trustworthy and indisputable.
Convenience is a cornerstone of our service, with widespread testing centers across the nation, including Mendon, IL. This ensures that individuals and organizations have quick and easy access to our testing facilities, without the hassle.
The process for hair follicle testing in Mendon, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, it emphasizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns over personal data and testing confidentiality.
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing for hair follicle tests in Mendon, IL, coupled with fast turnaround times. This delivers great value and assurance for businesses, regardless of size, striving to maintain a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle drug testing in Mendon, IL, offers speedy and precise results. The meticulous nature of this testing ensures a high level of accuracy in identifying substance use. This precision aids employers and other stakeholders in making informed decisions based on reliable data.
Hair follicle testing in Mendon, IL, supports employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment, this method provides assurance and peace of mind for businesses.
