Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substances by ensnaring markers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut near the root, hair can reveal a substance use pattern spanning up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands, comparable to the size of a #2 pencil, near the scalp can provide an optimal sample of 100mg for analysis. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or when testing beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. Here, “head hair” specifically refers to scalp hair, while “body hair” encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in laboratory processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial integration of a sample into the lab system. This step involves checking the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing up any remaining data input not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial and quick examination for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-saving measure to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to hold up in legal settings. All samples that show a preliminary positive in Screening necessitate follow-up verification.
During Screening, if a sample shows signs of drug presence, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample to be processed in the Extraction phase. Drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive findings in the screening phase uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any sample with a preliminary positive result gets washed as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is a superior choice in Rockbridge, IL, compared to traditional urine tests. It offers several advantages in detection sensitivity and reliability. While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests identify a longer history of drug use, making them more comprehensive.
The benefits of hair testing strengthen its position as a leading choice for drug testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant asset in Rockbridge, IL. This method can reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed overview of an individual's substance history.
Employers gain a clearer insight into substance habits with extended testing.
Rockbridge, IL, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing, which significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring high reliability.
Employers can trust the results due to the secure practices surrounding hair testing.
Offering convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Rockbridge, IL, Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to services:
Users find the process hassle-free given the extensive network of testing locations.
In Rockbridge, IL, Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. This involves straightforward ordering, testing, and result delivery.
Concerns about privacy and ease are effectively addressed with the secure protocols in place.
Providing affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times in Rockbridge, IL, makes the services at Accredited Drug Testing valuable to companies of all sizes.
Clients benefit from the balanced approach of fairness in pricing and expedited delivery of results.
In Rockbridge, IL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast, efficient methods. Their unmatched accuracy in detecting substances provides both reliability and speed, ensuring timely results.
The efficiency of hair testing in Rockbridge makes it a preferred option for quick yet thorough assessments.
In Rockbridge, IL, incorporating hair follicle testing fosters compliance and peace of mind for employers, aligning with drug-free workplace policies.
Employers experience increased efficiency and reduced risks by maintaining policy compliance through reliable testing methods.
