Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a vital method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month span to detect drugs and alcohol. It's straightforward to collect, tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment involving about 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or over 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement is suggested. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable volume of body hair can serve as an alternative. Reference to head hair specifies scalp hair. Conversely, body hair indicates all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for determining a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any remaining data entries that an electronic chain of custody didn't supply.
Screening performs a rapid initial check for drug presence. Although cost-effective in eliminating drug use for most samples, positive results from Screening must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening need secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other testing methods (like urine or oral fluids), illustrating why hair drug screening is intricate to execute.
Confirmation of positive test results employs procedures like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these actually examine hair strands rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Chicago, IL
Hair testing provides an edge over conventional urine tests, particularly in vivid substance history revelation. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle analysis displays superior detection accuracy, maintaining reliability across various scenarios. In North Chicago, IL, this advanced testing clearly surpasses urine tests in comprehensiveness and legitimacy, ensuring safer workplaces.
The inherent ability of hair tests to detect substance traces over an extended period grants organizations a formidable tool for enforcing drug policies, giving them peace of mind regarding employee substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in North Chicago, IL
In North Chicago, IL, hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage: the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days retrospectively. This presents employers with a detailed evaluation of a candidate or employee's past substance involvement. Such insight is invaluable for companies aiming to maintain a safe, drug-free workplace environment.
With its extended window, hair testing proves crucial in identifying patterns of abuse, not merely sporadic usage, thereby offering a thorough understanding of an individual's substance practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Chicago, IL
Hair follicle tests introduce a level of resistance against falsification that urine tests cannot match. In North Chicago, IL, this testing method is nearly impervious to adulteration, ensuring results remain untampered. This reliability helps organizations make critical decisions backed by authentic data.
As a potent deterrent against deceit, hair testing minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, instilling confidence in the results and supporting credible drug-free initiatives.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Chicago, IL
Accredited Drug Testing boasts numerous locations nationwide, with centers conveniently accessible in North Chicago, IL, ensuring efficient, seamless testing services. Our expansive network guarantees minimal hassle and expedient testing processes.
Employing accessible facilities that streamline the screening process, test participants can experience optimal convenience, wherever they are situated.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Chicago, IL
The process for hair follicle testing in North Chicago, IL is streamlined and strictly confidential, safeguarding the privacy of participants. From ordering the test to receiving the results, participants experience a straightforward and private procedure, enhancing user confidence.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Chicago, IL
At Accredited Drug Testing, competitive pricing structures are partnered with quick result delivery, offering outstanding value to businesses of varying sizes in North Chicago, IL. We ensure equitable pricing doesn't compromise the rapidity of the service.
Employers can expect swift and affordable testing solutions, creating peace of mind while maintaining fiscal responsibilities.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Chicago, IL
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their prompt and precise detection, offering unmatched accuracy in substance analysis. In North Chicago, IL, their capacity to swiftly deliver results with high reliability makes them a preferred choice for both individuals and organizations keen on ensuring a drug-free environment.
Speed does not compromise accuracy; hair tests are capable of identifying a wide range of substances accurately. This rapid yet precise methodology helps streamline decision-making processes, ultimately enhancing organizational efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Chicago, IL
Employers in North Chicago, IL benefit from hair follicle testing by staying aligned with drug-free mandates, thus reducing liability and enhancing workforce safety. Hair drug testing supports compliance, offering employers tranquility when implementing workplace policies.
