Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug involvement by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We propose using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the lab’s system. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any lacking data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system is entered.
Screening performs a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive result needs subsequent confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every potentially positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation, if required. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Palos Hills, IL, hair follicle tests stand out for their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis, making it difficult for individuals to tamper with the results. This makes hair testing the preferred choice for employers aiming for meticulous substance use screenings.
Hair follicle testing in Palos Hills, IL, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history, offering a more detailed report than shorter-window alternatives like urine tests. This long-term insight is invaluable for making well-informed employment decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug tests in Palos Hills, IL, makes them a trusted method for substance detection. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and incontrovertible. This assurance is crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
With convenient testing centers throughout Palos Hills, IL, and nationwide, accessing drug testing services is a hassle-free experience. Our strategically located centers ensure that participants can easily schedule and complete their hair follicle tests, providing a seamless and efficient process for everyone involved.
The process for hair follicle testing in Palos Hills, IL, is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes ease of use and privacy, ensuring participants can engage in the testing process without concerns about their personal information being compromised.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing services in Palos Hills, IL, provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from these cost-effective and prompt services, ensuring that they receive the benefits of accurate testing without financial strain or delays.
In Palos Hills, IL, hair follicle drug tests are unmatched for their precision and speed. These tests detect various substances with exceptional accuracy, providing reliable insights into an individual's substance use history. With rapid processing times, results are delivered quickly, enabling efficient decision-making for both employers and individuals seeking clarity.
Employers in Palos Hills, IL, benefit from the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. Adopting hair tests supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizes legal liabilities, and bolsters workplace safety. Such measures underscore a proactive approach to managing potential substance-related concerns at work.
