Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers. When obtained near the scalp, it can deliver up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. The process is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprised of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp equates to 100mg, ideal for tests requiring screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It’s recommended to weigh the hair using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair isn’t accessible, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair concern only scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, the allocation of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and data entry if not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening efficiently rules out the majority of drug usage, a court-valid positive screen must be substantiated. Samples deemed presumptively positive at this stage necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should Screening yield a presumptive positive result, additional hair from the cited sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from the hair at much reduced concentrations than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which highlights the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screen result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) designations for Hair and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the method actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine Testing in Seaton, IL
The superior benefits of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are clear in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. With a hair test, the window for detection is considerably extended, making it a preferred choice among various institutions that aim to maintain a drug-free environment, offering unmatched insights into an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Seaton, IL
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection period, usually extending to 90 days. This extensive timeframe allows employers a comprehensive evaluation of an applicant's or employee’s drug usage, ensuring a well-informed decision-making process in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Ensuring Tamper Resistance in Seaton, IL
The hair follicle test is highly tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This method delivers trustworthy and undeniable results, establishing confidence among employers and individuals who rely on its accurate substance use analysis.
Convenient Testing Sites in Seaton, IL
With a comprehensive network of testing centers across the nation and local facilities in Seaton, accessing our services is hassle-free and efficient. This convenience ensures quick and straightforward testing processes, allowing for seamless integration into routine operations.
Straightforward and Private Process in Seaton, IL
Our process is designed to be both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to testing and receiving results, our streamlined methods prioritize ease of use without compromising on the security of sensitive information.
Budget-Friendly and Fast Service in Seaton, IL
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer great value for businesses of any size. This affordability, combined with rapid service, ensures that companies can swiftly act on drug-testing requirements, maximizing their operational efficiency.
Fast and Accurate Hair Testing in Seaton, IL
Our hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and precise results, ensuring timely detection of substance use. With a high accuracy rate, these tests stand out when it comes to effective substance detection, providing reliable insights into the drug history of individuals either applying for a job or already employed.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Seaton, IL
Employing hair follicle testing helps businesses adhere to drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. This approach grants peace of mind to employers, ensuring stringent compliance with regulatory and internal guidelines.
