Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By incorporating biomarkers within its fibers, hair captures an extended timeline of substance use. A sample clipped close to the scalp can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 strands of hair, akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil, provides 100mg of hair—ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and advanced tests exceeding ten panels, a recommended specimen weight is 150mg. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair implies exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process largely involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial integration into the lab's system. This step checks that the sample's seal and shipment were intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executes any additional data entry requirements absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a rapid preliminary assessment for prohibited drugs. While it's an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for legal validity. Samples that test presumptively positive in the Screening stage must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This phase isolates drugs from hair at lower concentrations than achievable through alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); thus, hair drug screening is a more challenging methodology.
Positive screening confirmations are achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples may be cleansed as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being commonly denoted as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair vs. Urine: Superior Testing in New Minden, IL. Hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over urine tests, providing a broader detection window and higher reliability. While urine tests are limited to immediate past use, hair testing reveals substance history for an extended period, ensuring thorough and dependable results for employers in New Minden.
Extended Detection with Hair Follicle Testing in New Minden, IL. Hair testing excels at tracing substance use over up to 90 days, providing an extensive overview of an individual's drug history. This prolonged detection period is invaluable for employers seeking a complete picture of an applicant’s or employee's substance habits in New Minden.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in New Minden, IL. Our hair follicle tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering. By utilizing a collection method that's difficult to adulterate, these tests deliver trustworthy and undeniable results, allowing employers and legal entities in New Minden to confidently rely on them for accurate data.
Convenient Testing Locations in New Minden, IL. Access to hair follicle testing is made easy with our expansive network of testing centers nationwide. Whether you reside locally or elsewhere, you can benefit from our quick and straightforward process, ensuring hassle-free testing wherever you are in New Minden.
Confidential and Simple Testing Process in New Minden, IL. Our procedures are designed to be user-friendly and discreet. From ordering to receiving results, the process respects privacy while being straightforward, alleviating concerns about confidentiality and ease of access in New Minden.
Cost-Effective Hair Testing in New Minden, IL. We provide competitive pricing and fast turnaround times to deliver excellent value for companies of all sizes. Ensuring economic efficiency, hair testing offers rapid and reliable results that bring peace of mind to businesses searching for comprehensive drug testing services in New Minden.
Precision and Speed: Hair Follicle Testing in New Minden, IL. Our hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring you gain precise insights into substance use. With superior detection capabilities, hair testing is crucial for employers and individuals looking for comprehensive and timely assessments of drug use in New Minden.
Insurance Against Legal Risks with Hair Testing in New Minden, IL. Implementing hair follicle testing helps guarantee compliance with strict drug policies, reducing legal vulnerabilities and boosting workplace safety. This method offers peace of mind for employers through reliable, worry-free screening processes in New Minden.