Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. The hair retains long-term records of substances by embedding biomarkers within its strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for various substances. It is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for testing. For tests such as EtG, enhancements, and/or beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test involves four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes additional data input absent in electronic custody systems.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drugs in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be acceptable legally. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening mandate further confirmation.
In instances of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, the substances are extracted at much smaller concentrations than other test types (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair testing a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleaned before necessary confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Palatine, IL, hair follicle testing has significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Mainly, hair tests exhibit superior accuracy and reliability, efficiently detecting a broader range of substances.
Hair testing offers longer detection periods, capturing drug use over weeks instead of days, unlike urine tests. This makes it a more thorough screening option for employers prioritizing substance abuse prevention.
Hair follicle testing in Palatine, IL, expands the detection window drastically. It can reveal drug use up to 90 days prior, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
This extended period is crucial for employers, offering a detailed understanding of an applicant's or employee's behavior, facilitating better-informed hiring and retention decisions.
In Palatine, IL, hair follicle tests are pivotal in reducing sample tampering risks. Their non-invasive nature makes them resistant to adulteration compared to other testing methods.
Utilizing a robust and secure sample collection process, these tests offer reliable, unquestionable results, ensuring employers receive accurate data to maintain workplace safety.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations in Palatine, IL, and nationwide, providing quick and accessible services for individuals and employers alike.
Our widespread network ensures you won't have to travel far for testing, making the process seamless and hassle-free, catering to the needs of busy schedules.
In Palatine, IL, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy from start to finish. Ordering and receiving results is straightforward.
Our streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns, allowing clients to feel secure and confident in the testing process, maintaining strict confidentiality at every step.
In Palatine, IL, our competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests offer unbeatable value. We cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
Our efficient processes mean you won't wait long for results, providing timely, affordable service that supports your organization's drug-free policies and practices.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Palatine, IL, make them an ideal choice for rapid and dependable results. These tests precisely detect substance use, providing a clear picture of an individual's drug history.
With advanced methodologies, hair testing quickly identifies drug traces, showcasing its reliability in both timing and precision. This ensures employers receive timely, accurate insights for informed decision-making.
Employers in Palatine, IL, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks associated with substance abuse issues.
Such testing not only enhances workplace safety but also reassures management of meeting regulatory standards, fostering a secure working environment.
