Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers an extended timeline of drug and alcohol use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and other substances over a period extending up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil), located closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest employing a jeweler's scale to determine the specimen’s weight. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent measure of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four key stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial introduction of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for substance abuse. Although it is an economical way to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive result in Screening necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that show positive indications during Screening require further confirmation.
In instances where Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Saint Jacob, IL, shows significant advantages over traditional urine exams. First, hair tests excel in detection accuracy, providing a detailed insight into an individual's drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which can be influenced by recent consumption, hair tests offer a longer detection window. This makes hair testing superior for employers and authorities needing reliable substance use data.
In Saint Jacob, IL, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period of up to 90 days, giving employers a detailed view of an individual's drug history. This comprehensive review is unlike shorter-term tests, showing substance use much further back. By collecting hair samples, employers gain an invaluable resource for assessing long-term drug habits, helping make informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Saint Jacob, IL, serves as a tamper-resistant method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The nature of hair analysis makes it challenging to fake or alter results. This reliability ensures the integrity of the test outcomes, providing confidence to employers and authorities relying on these tests to enforce drug-free environments. With hair testing, the results are virtually incontestable.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenience with nationwide and local testing locations in Saint Jacob, IL. Clients benefit from quick, hassle-free access to our comprehensive testing services. Whether in major cities or local settings, our widespread network ensures that getting tested is straightforward, saving time and effort for individuals and organizations alike, ensuring the process is as seamless as possible.
In Saint Jacob, IL, we ensure a simple and confidential hair follicle testing process, from ordering to receiving results. Privacy concerns are addressed through secure procedures that protect client information. The ease of use is further enhanced by straightforward instructions and support, making the process manageable and discreet for all involved parties, maintaining confidentiality from start to finish.
With affordable rates and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Saint Jacob, IL, offers excellent value to businesses of any size. Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring that everyday budget requirements are met. Coupled with rapid result delivery, clients benefit from both cost-effectiveness and peace of mind, knowing they're receiving reliable services at a fraction of expected costs.
In Saint Jacob, IL, hair follicle testing offers unmatched precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests provide highly accurate results, allowing companies and courts to trust the outcomes. Their efficiency in identifying drugs makes them a reliable tool for ensuring safety and compliance in various settings. Coupled with rapid processing times, hair tests stand out for delivering quick yet accurate results.
For businesses in Saint Jacob, IL, using hair follicle drug tests ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities. This reliable testing method provides peace of mind for employers aiming to maintain safe environments. Compliance with rigorous standards protects both the company and employees, promoting a secure and law-abiding workplace through trustworthy detection methods.
