Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer a detection window of up to about three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It's best to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is logged into the laboratory system. This process includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, results from a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that appear positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a positive result is indicated during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, the drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods, such as urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, if needed. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Saint Johns, IL, hair follicle testing outshines urine tests by providing superior detection and reliability. The technology behind hair analysis ensures a more accurate perspective on substance usage over extended periods. Unlike urine samples, which are limited in their detection window, hair tests offer a comprehensive view, enhancing their usefulness in various testing environments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Saint Johns, IL, covers up to 90 days, significantly longer than other methods. Employers gain invaluable insights into an applicant's or employee's substance history, which assists in making informed hiring and management decisions, thus promoting a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair follicle tests in Saint Johns, IL, are highly tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The reliability of these tests ensures that results remain unquestionable and accurate, making it a preferred method for those seeking assurances that the testing process is legitimate and the outcomes are trustworthy.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Saint Johns, IL, we guarantee easy and quick access to our testing services. This expansive network simplifies the process, ensuring that appointments suit your schedule, and lessens difficulties often associated with scheduled testing.
The process for hair follicle testing in Saint Johns, IL, is intentionally simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving confidential results, every step is streamlined to prioritize privacy and ease of use, comforting users who are concerned about discretion and efficiency.
In Saint Johns, IL, affordable pricing and fast turnaround characterize our hair follicle testing services. Companies of varying sizes find excellent value in our competitive pricing structures and rapid processing times, leading to peace of mind and resource savings.
Hair follicle drug testing delivers fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes in Saint Johns, IL. The precision involved ensures a dependable identification of substance use, providing results recognized for their high level of accuracy. This method's ability to swiftly process samples sets it apart, offering confidence in the comprehensiveness of the data presented.
For businesses in Saint Johns, IL, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. It supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies and minimizes legal liabilities, significantly enhancing workplace safety. This approach ensures that employers meet necessary safety regulations, contributing to a seamless operation.
