Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drugs use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a history of drug and alcohol use up to about a 3-month period. Hair is easy to obtain, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample with around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial testing and further verification. For tests involving EtG, additional elements, and/or panels beyond ten, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an acceptable alternative. When mentioning head hair, we refer strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any supplementary data needed beyond the electronic chain of custody system.
During Screening, an initial assessment is performed to detect drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, any positive result must be verified to be accepted in judicial proceedings. Samples that are positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), posing a challenge for hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminarily positive results are cleansed preceding confirmation if necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed in compliance with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saybrook, IL
In Saybrook, IL, hair follicle tests prove superior due to their advanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a longer detection window and is resistant to adulteration attempts, making it a preferred choice for many organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Saybrook, IL
Employers in Saybrook, IL benefit from the extensive detection period of hair follicle tests, which can trace substance use up to 90 days. This enables a thorough assessment of an individual's drug history, aiding informed decision-making in employment processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saybrook, IL
Hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the potential for sample tampering, offering credible results that withstand scrutiny. For employers in Saybrook, IL, this ensures that drug testing outcomes are dependable and free from manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saybrook, IL
Our extensive national and local network of testing centers ensures that individuals and organizations in Saybrook, IL have quick and easy access to drug testing services, making the process seamless and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saybrook, IL
The procedure for hair follicle testing in Saybrook, IL is straightforward and ensures privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be simple and maintain confidentiality, addressing concerns regarding privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saybrook, IL
Offering competitive pricing and quick result times, our services deliver excellent value for companies of all sizes in Saybrook, IL. This provides employers with efficient and cost-effective solutions for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saybrook, IL
Hair follicle tests offer unmatched precision, highlighting their effectiveness in identifying substance use. Known for their high accuracy, these tests provide rapid results that ensure reliable data for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saybrook, IL
By integrating hair follicle testing, Saybrook, IL employers secure compliance with drug-free policies, thus lowering legal risks and boosting workplace safety. This method provides a substantial layer of reassurance concerning employee drug use monitoring.