Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. It is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmatory purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step in recording a specimen within the laboratory's framework. It involves checking if the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift examination for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive finding mandates confirmation for legal purposes. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo further verification.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further testing in the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle testing to urine assessments in New Baden, IL, the former provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair's longer detection period offers a comprehensive reflection of usage history, which urine tests can't match, especially beyond a few days.
This enduring detection capability gives employers and authorities a more accurate insight into an individual's drug use profile, ensuring informed decisions are made.
Located in New Baden, IL, hair follicle testing allows for a remarkable extended detection window, observing substance use up to 90 days. This testing discipline provides a thorough account of an individual's past drug consumption, making it ideal for employers keen on maintaining a drug-free environment.
The protracted detection period aids in capturing a detailed history, leading to more informed hiring and monitoring practices.
New Baden, IL, trusts hair follicle tests for their tamper-resistant nature, dramatically minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. This method yields reliable, uncontestable results by utilizing stringent observation techniques.
Such rigorous measures ensure the integrity of the results, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the testing process across various fields.
New Baden, IL, is part of a vast network of convenient nationwide testing centers, ensuring accessibility for all. This infrastructure guarantees a hassle-free testing experience, from scheduling to result retrieval.
The widespread availability of these centers facilitates swift testing, allowing individuals and employers to address their needs promptly.
The procedure for hair testing in New Baden, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. The streamlined order and delivery steps guarantee privacy, easing any concerns regarding data security and ease of usage.
Such seamless processes are crucial for instilling confidence among users, ensuring the journey from testing to results is smooth and unintrusive.
New Baden, IL, advantages from affordable hair testing solutions, offering value combined with fast turnaround. The cost-effective pricing structure aligns well with the budgetary considerations of companies of all sizes, ensuring quality does not come at a prohibitive price.
This balance of cost and efficiency provides peace of mind, knowing that results are not only quick but economically feasible.
In New Baden, IL, hair follicle drug assessments are lauded for their precision and quick turnaround. The advanced technology employed ensures high accuracy in detecting substances, offering reliable results. This rigorous method is critical for those needing fast, dependable answers.
The efficiency of hair testing is unmatched, often delivering results more swiftly than other methods. This aspect is vital for timely decision-making in sensitive scenarios.
Employers in New Baden, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing, enhancing compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach mitigates legal risks and bolsters overall safety, fostering a secure working environment.
The peace of mind derived from having a drug-free work setting is invaluable, encouraging productivity and reducing unnecessary liabilities.
