Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Collected near the scalp, hair offers up to about a 3-month detection period for these substances. It's easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirming results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings above 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the hair is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of logging a sample into a laboratory’s records. It includes ensuring the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and entering any supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a prompt assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be acceptable in court. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this step, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methods to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Nilwood, IL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering extended detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a broader detection window and reduce the chances of fraudulent results. The precision of hair tests makes them an asset for employers and organizations emphasizing reliability in drug screening.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Nilwood, IL, is its extended detection window. With the ability to identify drug use up to 90 days back, employers gain a more comprehensive understanding of a person's substance history. This long-term detection is invaluable for those seeking a thorough drug screening process.
Hair follicle tests in Nilwood, IL, offer a tamper-resistant method, diminishing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy, giving employers confidence in the authenticity of the drug test findings. The integrity of hair testing makes it a preferred choice in rigorous screening environments.
With widespread testing centers, including local sites in Nilwood, IL, our service ensures convenience and accessibility. You can expect a seamless, hassle-free testing experience, with centers readily available throughout the nation, simplifying the process for all involved parties.
Ordering a hair test in Nilwood, IL, is straightforward and confidential, ensuring an uncomplicated process from start to finish. Our testing procedure respects privacy concerns, making it easy for individuals to participate without anxiety, thus encouraging compliance and enabling smooth operation.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Nilwood, IL, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable strategies ensure you receive outstanding service without compromising on quality or speed, benefiting both employers and individual clients alike.
Nilwood, IL, benefits from the quick and precise nature of hair follicle drug tests. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy rate in identifying substance use. When it comes to detecting drugs, speed and reliability are paramount, making hair testing an excellent choice for both individuals and organizations looking to ensure accurate results.
For employers in Nilwood, IL, utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with maintaining a drug-free workplace, providing compliance and peace of mind. This method reduces legal risks while promoting workplace safety. Ensuring compliance with drug policies enhances overall organizational security and functionality.