Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by holding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to around a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp furnishes 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This incorporates confirming the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial cursory check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in court. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a further validation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is drawn from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug testing the most challenging method to carry out.
Validation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation when needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When evaluating drug test methods, hair follicle testing excels over urine tests in O'Fallon, IL. It offers a comprehensive detection ability that far surpasses the traditional urine test. The enhanced accuracy and reliability of hair tests make them invaluable for employers keen on maintaining a drug-free environment.
In O'Fallon, IL, hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window extending up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a thorough substance history of applicants and employees, supporting informed decision-making. It ensures that past substance use over a significant timeframe is reliably captured.
Hair follicle tests provide an outstanding tamper-resistant method in O'Fallon, IL. Such tests greatly reduce the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring the outcomes are trustworthy and decisive. Their resistance to manipulation elevates their reliability over more susceptible testing methods.
With many convenient testing centers available nationwide and locally in O'Fallon, IL, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. The easy access ensures tests are conducted quickly and efficiently, providing a hassle-free experience for those seeking reliable drug screening solutions.
In O'Fallon, IL, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. This streamlined approach to ordering tests and receiving results places privacy at the forefront, ensuring users feel secure and comfortable throughout the process. The ease of use makes these tests a preferred option.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in O'Fallon, IL is affordably accessible to companies of all sizes. Organizations can enjoy excellent value without compromising on the quality or timeliness of results, catering to both cost-conscious and quality-driven individuals.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests stand out in O'Fallon, IL. These tests offer highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring individuals are tested efficiently. Their reliability in pinpointing drug use provides confidence for employers and institutions alike, making them a preferred choice for rigorous screening requirements.
Employers in O'Fallon, IL benefit from the compliance and peace of mind hair follicle testing offers. These tests help adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety. By integrating hair testing into their policies, organizations can safeguard their operations effectively.
