Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Nokomis, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term data regarding substances, as biomarkers are embedded in the growing hair strand's fibers. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer up to an estimated 3-month timeframe for detecting substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.

A standard 1.5-inch sample of about 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or panels exceeding 10 drugs, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the foundational processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This entails confirming the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial rapid analysis for possible drug use. While it is a budget-friendly strategy to discount drug consumption in most cases, a positive outcome must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptively positive Screening outcome require follow-up confirmation.

If Screening suggests positive results, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug tests as the most intricate method to execute.

Any positive screening must be validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug consumption for up to 90 days, in contrast to the shorter detection period of urine tests.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating in a hair drug test is highly unlikely, which enhances result accuracy.
• Shows historical use: It can reveal a drug use pattern over some time, rather than merely recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: It typically takes about 5-7 days before drugs are noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally cost more than other testing procedures.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the level of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing focuses on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nokomis, IL

Hair testing offers superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine testing. It ensures higher accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred method for substance screening.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Nokomis, IL

Hair follicle tests provide a broader window for detecting substance use, up to 90 days. This feature helps employers get a clear picture of an individual's drug usage over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nokomis, IL

Hair follicle tests are practically impervious to tampering, ensuring the results' integrity and dependability, aiding accurate substance detection.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nokomis, IL

Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide assures you of quick and accessible drug testing services, eliminating the hassle of traveling far for a test.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Nokomis, IL

Our drug testing process is easy yet confidential, making ordering, conducting the test, and obtaining the results both straightforward and private.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nokomis, IL

We offer competitive pricing and rapid results delivery, providing excellent value and reassurance for businesses of any size.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nokomis, IL

Hair follicle drug tests provide precise results swiftly, offering high accuracy in detecting substances. This makes them a favorable option for those seeking detail-oriented and prompt substance use detection.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nokomis, IL

Employing hair follicle testing allows companies to adhere to drug-free workplace standards, significantly reducing legal risks and ensuring safety.

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