Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is perceived as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers in the strands’ fibers. If gathered near the scalp, it presents up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, reasonably hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing lab process includes these main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from the electronic custody chain.
Screening performs a swift preliminary assessment for substance abuse. It provides a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, but a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing positivity in Screening mandate a secondary verification.
In cases of provisional positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing technically challenging.
Verification of positive screening outcomes is executed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire lab operation, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Prestbury, IL
Hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests. It provides greater accuracy and reliability, with a long detection window that urine tests can't match. It ensures enhanced detection of drug use patterns, making it a preferred choice for thorough substance screenings in Prestbury, IL.
Extended Detection Window in Prestbury, IL
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to trace drug use back up to 90 days, presenting a historical view of a person's substance history. Employers in Prestbury, IL benefit from comprehensive insights into applicants or employees' potential drug use, beyond what standard tests offer.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Prestbury, IL
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce adulteration risks, delivering reliable, unadulterated results. This secure testing method gives confidence that results are untampered and genuine, reinforcing the dependability of the tests conducted in Prestbury, IL.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Prestbury, IL
Simple, Confidential Process in Prestbury, IL
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Prestbury, IL
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value for companies in Prestbury, IL. This ensures businesses of all sizes can benefit from reliable drug testing without compromising on speed or their budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Prestbury, IL
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their precision and speed, delivering robust and accurate detection of substance use. The method's high accuracy instills confidence in test results, ensuring that individuals and employers in Prestbury, IL can rely on these tests for timely and effective evaluations of drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Prestbury, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety. Employers in Prestbury, IL achieve peace of mind knowing they are operating within compliance, fostering a secure working environment.
