Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair presents an extended timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches composed of about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG analysis, extra tests, and samples above ten panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in integrating a sample into a lab's system. This phase involves verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for commonly abused drugs. Although it's a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample is positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening particularly complex.
Any positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Montrose, IL surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests examine a longer history of use, providing a more comprehensive overview.
For those strictly enforcing drug policies, like zero-tolerance employers, hair tests emerge as a far more efficient tool, ensuring greater peace of mind.
Employers are hence opting for hair tests, to ensure a drug-free workplace beyond recent substance exposure.
Explaining the benefits of hair follicle testing in Montrose, IL includes the noteworthy extended detection window. Unlike other methods, hair tests track drug use up to 90 days back, offering a more exhaustive view.
This prolonged detection period effectively presents both employees and applicants' long-term usage trends.
Such a thorough approach assists firms in implementing tighter monitoring policies, effectively enhancing workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing reduces the risk of sample adulteration, giving reliable results in Montrose, IL. Unlike other testing formats, hair samples are less prone to tampering.
The process guarantees secure and verifiable results, maintaining the integrity of the test from collection to analysis.
This testing method ensures stakeholders receive unquestionable substance use results, fortifying the credibility of the findings.
Our testing centers in Montrose, IL and nationwide ensure convenient access to hair follicle drug testing.
Whether local or throughout other cities, the process is quick and hassle-free with strategic locations available.
This infrastructure supports an array of testing needs, assuring ease in maintaining compliance without interrupting operations.
The hair follicle testing process in Montrose, IL is designed to be simple and confidential, respecting privacy.
Ordering, participating in testing, and receiving results is straightforward, providing individuals comfort throughout.
The transparent approach ensures fewer complications, averting potential issues related to data protection.
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times distinguish our hair follicle testing services in Montrose, IL. Companies of all sizes benefit from excellent value.
A balanced pricing structure coupled with quick results contributes to cost-effective decision-making.
Rapid reporting of findings supports timely HR processes, maintaining operational fluency.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests ensure timely and accurate results in Montrose, IL. Hair testing provides a high level of accuracy when detecting substance use, aligning with the needs of various stakeholders.
The method's reliability stems from its capacity to identify a wide range of substances, supporting important decisions with confidence.
Employers and legal systems both benefit from the quick turnaround of results, making hair testing preferable.
Employers in Montrose, IL seeking compliance find hair follicle testing enhances workplace safety by ensuring adherence to drug-free policies, easing legal worries.
This testing process shields organizations from potential legal entanglements, promoting workplace peace of mind.
The proactive measure of hair testing enables organizations to protect their interests, fostering a secure and productive environment.