Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can retain a prolonged history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as they grow. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer an approximate 3-month opportunity to detect alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is easy, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional panels, and/or tests over 10 panels, collecting 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen on a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair concern scalp hair specifically. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key procedures in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial registration of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid test for illegal substances. Although screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive results must be validated to be admissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex technique to conduct.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Posen, IL, stands out for its superior detection and reliability over traditional urine tests. While urine tests are limited to a short detection window, hair analysis covers up to 90 days of substance use. This comprehensive insight makes it a preferred choice for employers and legal authorities. Moreover, hair tests are more difficult to cheat, providing a trustworthy alternative to urine-based testing.
In Posen, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers substantial benefits. By covering a 90-day period, it gives employers detailed insights into an employee's drug history. This timeframe allows a more comprehensive view compared to the brief periods covered by urine tests. As a result, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding hiring or monitoring current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Posen, IL is a tamper-resistant method, greatly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. The nature of hair samples prevents the common manipulation tactics associated with other testing methods, such as urine. This ensures that the results are both reliable and trustworthy, giving organizations confidence in their testing protocol's integrity and accuracy.
Posen, IL, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing’s convenient nationwide network, ensuring easy access to testing services. With centers across all major cities, including local sites, individuals can quickly locate a nearby facility. This accessibility speeds up the testing process, minimizing disruptions and ensuring that tests are conducted in an efficient and hassle-free manner.
In Posen, IL, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy. Clear instructions and secure reporting methods address any privacy concerns, ensuring that personal information and test outcomes are kept confidential, offering peace of mind to all participants.
Affordable pricing is a key aspect of hair follicle testing in Posen, IL. Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures without sacrificing quality. Along with fast turnaround times, businesses of all sizes receive excellent value. This affordability and efficiency allow organizations to maintain robust drug testing programs without financial strain.
In Posen, IL, hair follicle testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method provides precise detection of substance use. Its accuracy stems from advanced technology that captures a longer history of drug intake. Additionally, the results are obtained swiftly, enabling employers and individuals to act promptly based on the findings. The high reliability ensures confidence in the test outcomes.
Employers in Posen, IL find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free mandates. This method supports a safer workplace by reducing the risk of legal repercussions related to drug use. Through stringent testing standards, it promotes a culture free from substance abuse, safeguarding employees and enhancing overall productivity and security.
