Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of approximately 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For those testing for EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspect positive samples undergo washing as required prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why is hair follicle testing superior to urine testing in Rock Falls, IL? The advantages lie in its durability and accuracy. Hair tests uncover drug usage spanning up to 90 days, surpassing urine tests in detecting long-term substance use situations. The reliability of hair testing, compared to urine, sets it apart, offering trustworthy readings.
With an impressively extended detection period, hair follicle drug testing in Rock Falls, IL looks into substance use history for up to 90 days. This longevity allows employers to gain comprehensive insights into an applicant or employee’s substance use history, unmatched by traditional methods.
In Rock Falls, IL, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. The integrity of the test is notably higher than other methods, as the potential for sample tampering or adulteration is greatly minimized, ensuring dependable and unquestionable results.
Convenient Testing Across Rock Falls, IL
Accessible testing locations across the nation, including in Rock Falls, IL, ensure seamless and quick drug and alcohol assessments. Local centers provide ease and accessibility, fostering a hassle-free testing experience.
Streamlined and Confidential Processes
In Rock Falls, IL, the process of ordering, undertaking, and obtaining results from a hair follicle drug test is both straightforward and confidential. This ensures privacy and simplicity are maintained throughout the entire testing journey.
Economical Pricing with Swift Results in Rock Falls, IL
Competitive pricing alongside prompt result delivery makes hair follicle testing a valuable choice for businesses in Rock Falls, IL. Affordability and quick turnaround offer excellent value, regardless of organizational size.
In Rock Falls, IL, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering fast, precise, and reliable substance use results. With a focus on providing high accuracy, these tests are capable of detecting a wide array of drugs, ensuring trustworthy results that meet the high standards required by various industries and legal bodies.
Ensuring Compliance in Rock Falls, IL
Employers opting for hair follicle testing secure compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal complications and promoting workplace safety. This method gives employers peace of mind, knowing their standards are upheld effectively.
