Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by locking biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to approximately a three-month timeframe. It is straightforward to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 hair strands, akin to the width of a #2 pencil, nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal specimen size for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, and/or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be procured. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary phases in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial reception of the sample into the laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry lacking from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a quick, initial check for substance misuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated for legal proceedings. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Positive results from the Screening are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples with tentative positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug analysis:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle under the scalp
Hair follicle tests in Osman, IL surpass traditional urine tests in many aspects. With their enhanced ability to detect traces of drugs or alcohol, these tests offer superior accuracy and reliability.
Employers aiming for a drug-free environment can rely on hair testing to provide conclusive and tamper-proof results, making it the preferred choice over urine tests.
In Osman, IL, hair follicle testing significantly extends the detection window for drugs, up to 90 days. This offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance usage history.
Employers gain valuable insight into the long-term habits of employees or candidates, thanks to this extensive detection period.
Osman, IL businesses value hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant nature, drastically reducing the risk of sample adulteration.
The integrity of hair tests ensures that results are both reliable and beyond dispute, a crucial aspect for maintaining fair workplace policies.
With numerous testing locations nationwide and locally in Osman, IL, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and convenient, ensuring minimal disruption.
The widespread availability of these centers facilitates easy scheduling and prompt testing services, benefiting organizations and individuals alike.
Osman, IL offers a straightforward and confidential process for hair follicle drug testing. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all handled with privacy and simplicity in mind.
This ensures that concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use are addressed effectively, providing a seamless experience.
In Osman, IL, companies can take advantage of affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing, essential for budget-conscious operations.
Competitive pricing paired with fast results grants businesses exceptional value and peace of mind, making these tests a prudent choice for all sizes of enterprises.
Osman, IL benefits from fast, accurate, and reliable results through hair follicle drug testing. These tests are known for their precision in detecting substance use, providing peace of mind with high levels of accuracy.
The speed at which hair follicle tests produce results is unmatched, ensuring that substance use detection is both quick and dependable for any required situation.
In Osman, IL, hair follicle testing offers employers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and contributing to a safer work environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that hair testing aligns with maintaining company standards and regulatory requirements.
