Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands provide an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within their fibers. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month detection duration for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair section, consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional testing or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory analysis of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system, which includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although it's an economical method to exclude drug use in most cases, any positive screening needs verification to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted at reduced concentrations compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening a complex process.
Confirmation for any positive result from screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a washing procedure before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in New Bedford, IL, stands out as a more effective approach compared to urine testing. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers a superior detection rate with a longer detection window. Urine tests might miss substances if used days before testing, but hair tests remain a reliable solution, detecting substances for up to 90 days, providing a holistic view of substance history.
The extended detection window, offered by hair follicle tests in New Bedford, IL, spans up to 90 days, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of drug use. Employers benefit from this protracted period, gaining a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, which is vital for making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle drug tests in New Bedford, IL, significantly reduce tampering risks. Unlike urine tests, these tests are tamper-resistant due to the difficulty of altering hair samples. This ensures reliable and unquestionable results, offering certainty for employers relying on accurate and genuine substance use reports.
Our nationwide network of testing locations, including those in New Bedford, IL, ensures convenience for clients. These centers provide easy access to testing services, facilitating a quick and hassle-free testing experience. Regardless of where you are, our centers are strategically located for your testing needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in New Bedford, IL, is simple and confidential. From ordering to result delivery, every step prioritizes your privacy and ease of use. Our secure procedures ensure that your information remains protected while offering a straightforward experience.
In New Bedford, IL, competitive pricing on hair follicle drug tests ensures that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value. Coupled with fast turnaround times, our services offer both affordability and efficiency, providing peace of mind for companies monitoring workplace safety.
In New Bedford, IL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and accuracy. These tests deliver fast results, often outperforming traditional methods in both detection and reliability. With swift processing times, employers and individuals can have peace of mind, knowing they will receive timely and precise outcomes that accurately reflect substance use history.
In New Bedford, IL, hair follicle testing provides employers with peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only adheres to legal standards but also enhances workplace safety, mitigating potential legal risks associated with substance use in the workplace.