Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The efficacy of hair testing as a tool for screening drug and alcohol consumption is remarkable. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair. When obtained close to the scalp, it can reveal substance usage history for up to a period of about three months. Hair samples are easy to gather, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment comprising approximately 200 strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighting the sample is recommended. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent sample of body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair categories (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with initially processing a sample into a lab's system. This stage comprises verifying proper seal and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick analysis for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples displaying a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is utilized from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples yielding presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", these assessments focus on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ringwood, IL, hair follicle testing emerges as superior when compared to urine tests. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. It captures a broader picture of substance use over a longer timeframe, ensuring that instances of drug use are not overlooked.
Hair follicle testing in Ringwood, IL, offers an extended detection window, revealing drug use for up to 90 days. This method provides employers a detailed substance use history of applicants or employees, helping in making informed decisions based on comprehensive data of the individual's past drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Ringwood, IL, minimizes risks of tampering and adulteration. This method ensures that results remain reliable and unquestionable. The secure collection and testing process make it difficult for individuals to alter samples, providing a truthful reflection of drug use.
With convenient nationwide locations, including those in Ringwood, IL, our testing centers offer easy and hassle-free access to services. The widespread availability ensures quick and efficient testing options, making it straightforward for individuals and businesses to fulfill their testing needs seamlessly.
In Ringwood, IL, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy and ease, ensuring that ordering, taking, and receiving test results is straightforward. This streamlined process addresses privacy concerns while offering a seamless experience.
In Ringwood, IL, our competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing affordable and efficient. Offering excellent value, we cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring timely results with cost-effective solutions to fit various budgets.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Ringwood, IL are remarkable. These tests provide highly accurate results in detecting substance use. Results are not only fast but also offer an unparalleled degree of reliability, making them a preferred choice for those in need of dependable testing outcomes.
Employers in Ringwood, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing by maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests reduce legal risks and elevate workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers through reliable detection and proactive management of substance use issues.
