Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains evidence of alcohol and drug usage over the long run by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use over roughly a three-month period. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) and taken nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirming results. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair can be utilized. In this context, head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial handling of a sample occurs as it enters a laboratory's system. This stage involves ensuring the sample's sealing and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missed data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment to check for illicit substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to largely exclude drug use in samples, any positive indications must undergo confirmation to hold up in legal situations. Samples receiving a presumptive positive status during Screening are subject to further confirmation.
If the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive result, more hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluid analysis, which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples flagged as presumptive positives are cleansed before the confirmation process, where necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation per both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests" on occasion, these assessments evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing
When it comes to drug testing in Milledgeville, IL, hair follicle tests stand out due to their superior detection accuracy. Compared to traditional urine tests, they provide more reliable and comprehensive results, capturing a broader picture of substance use.
An Extended Detection Window is a notable advantage of hair tests, allowing detection of drug use over a 90-day period. In contrast, urine tests generally only identify recent use, often limited to a few days before testing.
In Milledgeville, IL, hair follicle testing offers an Extended Detection Window of up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history, which can be invaluable in making informed decisions regarding employment.
With its Extended Monitoring Capability, hair testing surpasses other methods by providing detailed insights into long-term drug use patterns, allowing for a thorough evaluation of potential or current employees.
The Tamper-Resistant Nature of hair follicle testing in Milledgeville, IL, significantly decreases the likelihood of sample adulteration. This increases the dependability of results, offering undeniable proof of authenticity.
Ensuring Reliable Results, hair tests prevent common manipulation tactics seen in other testing methods like urine analysis. This bolsters confidence in the data obtained, making it the gold standard for drug testing.
With Nationwide Testing Centers, including those in Milledgeville, IL, accessing hair follicle drug testing is convenient and hassle-free. We offer a network of locations to ensure swift and straightforward testing, minimizing interruption in daily operations.
Our local centers provide Easy Access to reliable drug testing services, ensuring that getting tested is both straightforward and efficient, regardless of where you are in the country.
The Simple, Confidential Process of hair follicle testing in Milledgeville, IL, ensures ease of use from ordering through to receiving the results. Protecting your privacy is a top priority, and our processes reflect this.
Privacy and Ease are at the forefront of our testing process, providing a user-friendly experience that respects the confidentiality of all participants involved in the testing procedure.
With Affordable Pricing and a fast turnaround in Milledgeville, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer great value for various organizations. Our competitive pricing structures make it accessible for businesses of all sizes.
Quicker Results combined with cost efficiency provide peace of mind, ensuring drug testing processes do not strain the budget while maintaining excellent standards and rapid service.
In Milledgeville, IL, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests deliver high precision in identifying substance use, offering stakeholders confidence in the outcomes.
Speed and Accuracy are crucial factors in drug testing, and hair tests excel in both, ensuring quick feedback and minimizing the waiting time for results.
The meticulous design of hair follicle drug testing ensures Exceptional Reliability, making them an excellent choice for anyone needing trustworthy outcomes. This method is especially effective in differentiating varying levels of substance use with unmatched precision.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are easily achieved through hair follicle testing in Milledgeville, IL. This testing method helps organizations adhere to workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal risks and enhancing employee safety.
Employers gain Legal Protection by opting for hair testing, as it offers substantial proof of compliance, safeguarding them from litigation associated with drug use in the workplace.
