Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Due to the biomarkers getting trapped in the fibers of growing hair, hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and other drug use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to around 3 months for both alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample initially enters the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any other data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is economical in ruling out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation for court admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening do need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at a much lower concentration compared to urine or oral fluid methodologies, making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oquawka, IL
Hair follicle testing offers substantial advantages over traditional urine testing in terms of accuracy and reliability. The enhanced detection window and precision make hair proficiency tests a superior choice for employers in Oquawka, IL, seeking to ensure a drug-free workplace. The reliability of hair tests ensures that substance use is identified thoroughly and accurately.
Extended Detection Window in Oquawka, IL
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its capacity to uncover drug usage over an extended timeframe, typically up to 90 days. In Oquawka, IL, businesses can gain a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance history, providing invaluable insights and reinforcing a drug-free workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oquawka, IL
Hair follicle drug tests in Oquawka, IL, are renowned for their resistance to tampering or sample adulteration. This testing method dramatically reduces the risk of inaccurate results, ensuring that outcomes are both trustworthy and indisputable. Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with such a reliable testing option.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oquawka, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Oquawka, IL, offers unparalleled convenience for drug testing services. With easily accessible locations, obtaining necessary testing is quick and hassle-free, catering to the needs of businesses and individuals while ensuring efficient service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oquawka, IL
In Oquawka, IL, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, prioritizing privacy and user-friendliness. The steps of ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to address privacy concerns efficiently, ensuring both ease of use and confidentiality are maintained throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oquawka, IL
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Oquawka, IL, ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Companies find peace of mind in knowing they receive cost-effective, timely results that support their commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oquawka, IL
In Oquawka, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their unparalleled precision and expediency. With their ability to deliver quick, reliable results, these tests are highly accurate in identifying substance use. Employers who prioritize efficient drug testing enjoy peace of mind knowing they can trust the high accuracy of hair follicle tests.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oquawka, IL
By opting for hair follicle testing, employers in Oquawka, IL, can confidently uphold workplace drug-free policies. This choice minimizes legal risks while optimizing workplace safety, offering both compliance and peace of mind. Hair testing helps create a safer, more productive work environment, shielding businesses from potential liabilities.
