Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has been recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is cut near the scalp, it can reveal drug or alcohol use over a period of up to approximately three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to alter, and easy to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp typically weighs 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmatory testing. For instances involving EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in a lab consists of four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially recording a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial examination for drugs of abuse. Though Screening economically helps eliminate drug use suspicions in most samples, any positive finding must be corroborated to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are likely positive in Screening require additional verification.
If a sample shows a presumption of positivity during Screening, further hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations markedly lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Any positive screening is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation when required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Philo, IL
With a hair follicle test, the detection period extends significantly, offering a broader window of analysis that urine testing cannot match. This results in superior detection accuracy over traditional methods, as hair tests reveal drug use history up to 90 days, capturing long-term patterns rather than short-term signals. This makes them more reliable for employers enforcing strict policies against drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Philo, IL
One of the core advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, allowing substance use to be traced back as much as 90 days. This comprehensive look-back period grants employers a deeper insight into an individual’s substance history, a critical factor when evaluating potential or current employees. In Philo, IL, these tests fulfill a vital role in maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Philo, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a formidable resistance to tampering, making them exceedingly difficult to adulterate compared to other testing methods. This robust integrity ensures that the results are reliable, providing a trustworthy assessment of an individual’s substance use. Accredited Drug Testing in Philo, IL, leverages this superior method to eliminate doubts and assure clients of unfalsified and accurate outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Philo, IL
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a vast network of nationwide centers, including facilities in Philo, IL, to provide clients with quick and easy access to drug testing services. This extensive reach ensures that testing is not only close by but is also conducted at the client's convenience, contributing to a seamless and efficient testing experience for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Philo, IL
The process of arranging, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results with Accredited Drug Testing in Philo is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Emphasizing privacy and ease of use, the entire experience from start to finish is conducted with utmost regard for client confidentiality, reinforcing trust and simplicity in handling sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Philo, IL
Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing and swift turnaround times that offer clients outstanding value. By reducing wait times for results while maintaining affordability, businesses in Philo, IL, can effectively integrate drug testing into their policies without imposing an unreasonable financial burden, allowing for a balanced approach to workplace safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Philo, IL
Hair follicle drug tests excel in both speed and accuracy, offering dependable results that make them preferable for detecting substance use. The streamlined process ensures rapid turnarounds while maintaining high fidelity in outcomes. Philo's Accredited Drug Testing provides efficient services that stand out for their precision and reliability, giving clients a consistent testing experience every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Philo, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing can greatly enhance compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal liabilities while promoting a culture of safety. Employers in Philo, IL, benefit from peace of mind knowing that their testing program upholds the highest standards for detecting drug use, thus safeguarding the company and its workforce.
