Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drugs and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug biomarkers by embedding them in the hair strand fibers as they grow. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can offer a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advised to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it is specific to scalp hair only. Body hair consists of all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The process has four primary phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample as it enters a lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional information not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective means to negate drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive in the Screening step, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and set for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any presumptively positive result from Screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly dubbed as "hair follicle tests," the test scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing clearly outshines urine tests in Sandoval, IL for its superior detection capabilities. It provides unmatched accuracy and reliability, often relied upon due to its extended detection window, whereas urine tests offer a shorter period of detection. This makes hair analysis the preferred choice for a thorough assessment of substance usage.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, lasting up to 90 days, offers employers in Sandoval, IL detailed insight into an individual's drug or alcohol use history. This duration reflection surpasses typical testing methods, creating a comprehensive approach to evaluating potential hires or current employees.
In Sandoval, IL, hair follicle tests are recognized as a tamper-resistant method that reduces the chance of sample adulteration. This test offers reassurance through its reliable and unchallengeable outcomes, ensuring the credibility of results and maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient access to nationwide testing centers for hair follicle tests is a significant advantage in Sandoval, IL. The ease of accessing these services means fast and efficient drug testing without the hassle, enhancing the overall user experience for clients and ensuring seamless service delivery.
The process in Sandoval, IL is simple and confidential, ensuring client privacy and ease of use. Ordering a test, taking it, and receiving results are streamlined to address concerns about confidentiality while maintaining a user-friendly approach to drug testing.
Our service in Sandoval, IL boasts affordable pricing and fast turnaround. This ensures that companies of all sizes receive great value and peace of mind. The efficient processing times coupled with competitive pricing underscore our commitment to serving diverse business needs effectively.
In Sandoval, IL, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their speed and precision surpass traditional measures, making them the top choice for detecting drug use. The cutting-edge technology ensures precise identification of substances, adding a layer of reliability to the testing process.
Employers in Sandoval, IL find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This alignment with regulations minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, fostering a secure and lawful working environment.
