Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a significant resource for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and other substances by incorporating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to nearly a three-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process comprises four principal stages in laboratory processing of a substance test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the primary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This entails ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While screening offers a cost-effective solution to eliminate the possibility of drug use for the vast majority of samples, a positive screen result necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any specimens that show presumptive positive results during screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen results in a presumptive positive outcome during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All probative positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the assessment itself focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in New Boston, IL
While both methods are useful, hair follicle tests offer a broader detection range, setting a higher standard compared to traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in New Boston, IL
For employers aiming for a holistic view, hair tests are an indispensable tool for understanding an applicant's or employee's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in New Boston, IL
With improved safeguards, hair follicle testing ensures that results are credible and authentic, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in New Boston, IL
Offering both nationwide and local access, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process, making it seamless and efficient for participants.
Simple, Confidential Process in New Boston, IL
The simple and confidential framework confirms that users feel secure and comfortable throughout every step of the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in New Boston, IL
Offering affordability paired with speed, Accredited Drug Testing provides top-tier services, ensuring companies receive optimum satisfaction and value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in New Boston, IL
Such tests provide a high level of accuracy for substances used up to 90 days prior, ensuring that users get results they can depend on.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in New Boston, IL
Employers can be confident in fostering a safe working environment, knowing they are aligned with regulatory standards for drug-free workplaces.