Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (about the dimensions of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When talking about head hair, we mean only the scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily includes four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s protocol. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and sent, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally acceptable. Any samples that show presumptive positives during Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is gathered from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory procedure is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Paxton, IL
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways, particularly due to its impressive detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests have shorter detection windows, hair follicle tests can reflect drug use over a longer span, providing a more thorough assessment of an individual's substance history.
The enhanced detection levels and almost tamper-proof nature of hair follicle tests make them stand out against urine tests. It's favored by companies seeking comprehensive substance use scrutiny and ensures less room for false negatives or manipulations.
Extended Detection Window in Paxton, IL
Hair follicle tests shine with their longer detection period compared to other testing methods. By identifying drug usage up to 90 days prior, employers gain a more detailed overview of an employee's or candidate's substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making processes.
This extended window is particularly invaluable for employers ensuring a drug-free work environment. It allows for a retrospective look into substance use that other methods like urine tests fail to capture, thus enabling more effective hiring and monitoring practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Paxton, IL
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its resistance to tampering, reducing the chances of sample adulteration. Its reliability ensures that results remain unquestionable, offering employers a robust solution to maintain integrity in the testing process.
The test's collection method is closely monitored, adding another layer of security against tampering. This critical feature makes hair follicle tests a trusted choice for those serious about unblemished and accurate drug testing results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Paxton, IL
With testing centers spread across the nation, including in Paxton, IL, accessing our services is both swift and simple. This extensive reach simplifies the process, allowing clients to undertake testing conveniently without geographical barriers.
The nationwide presence of Accredited Drug Testing reflects a commitment to accessibility, ensuring that whether in Paxton or beyond, efficient and hassle-free service is always at the clients' fingertips, meeting their testing needs when and where they arise.
Simple, Confidential Process in Paxton, IL
Our drug testing involves a straightforward and confidential process, ensuring a stress-free experience for individuals undergoing the test. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, alleviating any concerns.
Emphasizing confidentiality and simplicity, hair follicle testing is designed to be as undisruptive as possible. The secure system guarantees that all parties involved feel comfortable and informed, reinforcing trust in the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Paxton, IL
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures coupled with a rapid turnaround time. This affordability does not compromise the quality of service, ensuring that businesses receive tremendous value while maintaining their drug testing commitments.
Balancing cost-efficiency with quality service, our hair follicle testing delivers swift results at reasonable prices. Companies of all scales benefit from the assurance that they are receiving top-tier service that aligns with financial and operational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Paxton, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise results, making them a reliable choice for detecting substance use. The meticulous process ensures exceptional accuracy, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals who rely on trustworthy testing outcomes.
Speed and accuracy highlight the benefits of hair follicle testing. In contrast to other methods, hair tests maintain high precision, swiftly detecting substance use with little margin for error. This reliability is why it's favored by employers aiming for stringent substance control.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Paxton, IL
Using hair follicle testing aligns businesses with workplace drug-free regulations, lowering legal exposures and boosting workplace safety. This method's thoroughness helps companies preserve a secure and compliant environment, fostering peace of mind for employers.
By ensuring policy compliance through effective drug testing, businesses mitigate potential risks and foster a safer workplace. Hair follicle testing is instrumental in achieving these goals thanks to its reliable and comprehensive assessment capabilities.
