Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drug use. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial introduction of a sample into a laboratory system, which ensures that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although it is an economical method to negate drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is achieved through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle tests over urine tests in Saint Libory, IL, can lead to better detection capabilities and robust reliability. Hair testing offers a superior advantage with its extended detection window, catching substance use from as far back as three months. This long-term insight is unmatched by the shorter detection span of traditional urine testing.
Hair follicle testing's advantage in Saint Libory, IL, lies in its ability to trace substance usage up to 90 days prior. This extended detection window provides a broader perspective on an individual's habits, delivering employers and other stakeholders a clearer understanding of a person's substance history when making informed decisions.
Offering enhanced security, hair follicle tests in Saint Libory, IL, mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, thus assuring integrity. These tests provide undeniable results as they are less susceptible to manipulation compared to other methods, making it easier for organizations to depend on their authenticity.
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates testing with ease in Saint Libory, IL, through its expansive network of nationwide centers. This convenience allows quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services, making the entire process seamless for individuals and organizations alike.
The process of hair follicle testing in Saint Libory, IL, is crafted to be straightforward and confidential. Addressing privacy concerns, individuals have easy access to order tests, complete the procedure, and receive results discreetly, ensuring the user experience remains smooth and user-friendly.
Accredited Drug Testing in Saint Libory, IL, offers competitive pricing and swift result delivery. This cost-effective approach ensures that companies, regardless of size, receive excellent service and turnaround times, adding value and reliability to a company's drug testing program.
In Saint Libory, IL, hair follicle testing emerges as an efficient method for detecting substance use with speed and precision. The process is structured to ensure the high accuracy of test results. By focusing on the meticulous nature of these tests, Accredited Drug Testing proves to be a reliable ally in maintaining stringent evaluation standards.
Employers in Saint Libory, IL, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace guidelines. This method enhances workplace safety by reducing potential legal risks, thus supporting a culture of compliance and safeguarding the organization from drug-related infractions.
