Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, delivering a prolonged record of substance usage. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it offers roughly a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section, approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and verifying. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels surpassing 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measurement. If scalp hair is not present, a similar amount of body hair can serve as a substitute. "Head hair" references scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched appropriately, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial swift evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is economically efficient for excluding drug use for the vast majority of samples, a positive outcome necessitates validation to be court-acceptable. Samples considered presumptively positive during Screening require follow-up confirmation.
In Screening, if a sample is deemed presumptively positive, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs within hair are extracted at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting hair drug screening’s complexity.
Positive outcomes in screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both CAP’s (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Pekin, IL
Hair testing offers superior benefits over urine tests, emphasizing detection accuracy and reliability. The hair follicle test's extensive detection window surpasses that of urine tests, providing a broader overview of an individual's drug use history.
While urine tests are conventionally used, hair tests reduce the possibility of sample tampering, providing dependable outcomes that urine tests may not guarantee. They're the preferred choice for ensuring accurate screenings.
Extended Detection Window in North Pekin, IL
Hair follicle testing provides a broad detection window, uncovering drug use over 90 days. This thorough examination allows employers an inclusive look into an applicant's or employee's past, offering insights a urine test might miss.
The precision and extended timeline give substantial confidence in assessing long-term substance use. This detailed understanding aids better decision-making and ensures a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Pekin, IL
Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of adulteration compared to urine tests. With a supervised collection process, the potential for tampering is significantly reduced, resulting in trustworthy outcomes that contribute to informed decisions.
This method offers a steadfast solution in drug testing, reinforcing integrity in results that support workplace policies and legal requirements, offering a high level of assurance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Pekin, IL
The ease of access to testing locations nationwide ensures that drug testing is a hassle-free process. Whether local or across the nation, our centers cater to quick and seamless testing experiences.
Such widespread availability guarantees timely and efficient testing procedures for all clients, providing convenience and efficacy no matter the location.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Pekin, IL
The process of ordering, performing, and obtaining results is designed to be straightforward and secure, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From start to finish, your confidentiality is a priority, ensuring ease of use and peace of mind.
With a seamless approach to drug testing, the care for privacy and user-friendly procedures makes the experience stress-free and discreet.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Pekin, IL
We offer competitive pricing structures while ensuring fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value and quick results for all companies. Our services cater to organizations of various sizes, meeting budgetary needs efficiently.
Timely results and budget-friendly options stand as our services' hallmark, promoting business efficiency and effectiveness in drug testing operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Pekin, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide quick and precise results, ensuring you receive timely and accurate assessments. With their high sensitivity to various substances, these tests are perfect for detecting drug use, ensuring reliability and trustworthiness in the results.
Hair tests are acknowledged for their accuracy, offering a dependable solution valued by employers and legal entities. They minimize false positives, ensuring that only valid results are delivered.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Pekin, IL
Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining a drug-free workplace by ensuring adherence to company policies, reducing legal risks, and enhancing overall safety. This reliable testing approach supplies peace of mind through compliance confidence.
Employers can trust hair tests to deliver dependable and comprehensive results, ensuring an environment aligned with safety and legal standards.
