Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair retains a prolonged history of substance intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the hairs' growing strands. When clipped near the scalp, it can offer a detection timeframe of approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (resembling a #2 pencil's diameter) from as close to the scalp as possible will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferable quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, supplements, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's preferred to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is absent, a proportionate amount of body hair might be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically discussing scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing for a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This involves affirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for substances of misuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that are presumably positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other analyses (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: As often noted as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Secor, IL
While traditional urine tests are commonly used, hair follicle testing demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability. Their comprehensive nature provides a broader detection window, thus covering extended drug use periods and offering more dependable results for employers and law enforcement.
Extended Detection Window in Secor, IL
Hair follicle drug testing offers the significant advantage of an extended detection period, up to 90 days. This prolonged monitoring capability gives employers a thorough view of their candidates’ or employees’ substance use history, aiding in more perspicacious hiring and supervision decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Secor, IL
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chances of sample adulteration. This method's robustness ensures that the results are trustworthy and hard to dispute, creating a credible foundation for assessing substance use in various contexts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Secor, IL
With testing centers available nationwide and locally in Secor, IL, hair follicle testing services are readily accessible. This convenience facilitates quick and stress-free testing processes, supporting efficient management of testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Secor, IL
The process for arranging and executing hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. Ensuring privacy and ease for those involved, the procedure from scheduling to receiving results is straightforward, managing privacy concerns with ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Secor, IL
Offering competitive pricing and swift result turnaround, hair follicle testing services represent excellent value. This combination appeals to companies of all sizes seeking both economic and timely testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Secor, IL
Hair follicle drug tests provide timely and precise results, ensuring accuracy in substance use detection. This method of testing assures individuals and institutions of reliable data, critical for informed decision-making concerning employment and compliance practices.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Secor, IL
Implementing hair follicle tests helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace regulations. This not only reduces potential legal liabilities but also enhances safety and security within the workspace, contributing to a sound and secure working environment.
