Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is a highly effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (about the same as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The major four steps in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any additional data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening starts with a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be permissible in court. Any samples tested positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples deemed positive in Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the unique challenge in hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tested as positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Ridgefield, IL Hair testing offers a distinct advantage due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can detect drug use over a more extended period, providing employers and professionals with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history. This gives a clearer and more accurate detection capability.
Extended Detection Window in Ridgefield, IL Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, giving employers a detailed overview of a person's substance history. This prolonged period captures a comprehensive snapshot of past drug use, making it a valuable tool in assessing both job applicants and current employees effectively.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Ridgefield, IL One of the key strengths of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. With hair samples being less susceptible to adulteration compared to urine samples, this method ensures the integrity of the test remains intact, delivering reliable and unquestionable results.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide and Locally in Ridgefield, IL Our testing centers, located both nationwide and locally in Ridgefield, IL, offer unparalleled convenience. This wide network allows for easy and accessible testing services, reducing the hassle and ensuring prompt service for all clients.
Simple and Confidential Process in Ridgefield, IL Our testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. From ordering a test to collecting samples and ultimately receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use, addressing any privacy concerns while ensuring a smooth experience.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Ridgefield, IL We offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions ensure companies can confidently conduct necessary drug testing without financial strain or delays.
Precise and Swift Outcomes in Ridgefield, IL Hair follicle drug testing in Ridgefield offers unmatched accuracy and rapid results. These advanced tests are adept at identifying drug use with high precision, ensuring reliability in results. With fast processing times, you can trust that you'll receive the necessary insights promptly, which is vital for timely decision-making.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ridgefield, IL Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It significantly diminishes the legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, offering peace of mind and supporting a safer work environment.
