Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for detecting both drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged account of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp offers 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal amount of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in the bulk of samples, any positive screening must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening presents the greatest challenge among methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In Montgomery, IL, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in multiple aspects. Its superior detection accuracy can identify substance use over a longer timeframe, reducing false negatives.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle exams offer enhanced reliability, minimizing the chances of tampering. Their comprehensive nature provides more certainty in maintaining a drug-free environment.
One notable advantage of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can reach up to 90 days. This is invaluable in Montgomery, IL, for assessing long-term substance use patterns.
Employers benefit from this broad timeframe, gaining a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's history, which traditional tests might miss.
The resistance to tampering in hair follicle tests ensures that results are trustworthy and indisputable. In Montgomery, IL, this method significantly diminishes the risk of altering samples.
Using hair samples, which are difficult to adulterate, guarantees reliable results. This reduces uncertainties and questions about the validity of the test outcomes.
In Montgomery, IL, the ease of access to testing services is bolstered by our convenient nationwide locations. This vast network simplifies the testing process for everyone involved.
Local centers in Montgomery ensure that our services are quick and hassle-free, providing a seamless experience for individuals and organizations seeking drug testing solutions.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Montgomery, IL is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use.
This testing method addresses privacy concerns effectively, ensuring clients feel comfortable and assured throughout the entire procedure.
Our hair follicle testing in Montgomery, IL offers affordable pricing and swift turnaround, providing excellent value for businesses seeking cost-effective screening solutions.
By combining competitive rates with fast processing times, companies of all sizes can gain peace of mind, knowing they're investing in a reliable testing service.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Montgomery, IL, are unmatched. This technique provides high accuracy in identifying substance use, making it a preferred choice for comprehensive screenings.
With hair testing, results are not only fast but also extremely reliable, ensuring that the detection of drugs or alcohol is precise. This efficiency allows employers to make informed decisions promptly.
For Montgomery, IL employers, hair follicle testing offers compliance and reassurance in maintaining a drug-free workplace. Its robustness helps organizations adhere to legal standards with ease.
Implementing this testing method plays a significant role in enhancing workplace safety and reduces the likelihood of legal liabilities related to substance use policies.