Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection window for substances. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil thickness) from the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outmatches Urine Testing in Seneca, IL
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are numerous. It stands as a more dependable option in Seneca, IL, pinpointing drug use with higher accuracy. Hair testing uncovers drug presence more effectively, offering employers insights that traditional tests might miss, thus proving its superior reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Seneca, IL
The hair follicle test's ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period (up to 90 days) offers a vivid overview of substance history. For employers in Seneca, IL, this testing method unveils a complete picture of an applicant’s or employee’s habits, invaluable for ensuring a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Seneca, IL
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample adulteration, presenting unswerving and unquestionable results. In Seneca, IL, this method stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature, placing accuracy and reliability at the forefront and providing trustworthy assessments for all stakeholders involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Seneca, IL
Our widespread network of testing centers offers unbeatable convenience along with local accessibility in Seneca, IL. With a plethora of locations nationwide, our services are designed to be prompt, simple, and stress-free, meeting your testing needs efficiently and effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Seneca, IL
Ordering, taking, and receiving results through our hair follicle drug tests is straightforward. In Seneca, IL, ensure a confidential and easy experience, alleviating worries of privacy. The process prioritizes discretion and ease, making drug testing seamless and unobtrusive for individuals and employers alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Seneca, IL
Our competitive pricing structure and rapid result delivery offer tremendous value in Seneca, IL. With affordability coupled with speed, companies of any size benefit from our services, ensuring that quality and reliability do not come at an exorbitant cost.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Seneca, IL underscore their effectiveness. Achieving fast and accurate findings, these tests outshine others in detecting substance use, ensuring employers get the most reliable data. The meticulous process ensures that results are both timely and dependable, fostering confidence in the outcomes obtained.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Seneca, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing ensures that employers in Seneca, IL remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. This testing enhances workplace safety by minimizing legal risks and establishing a foundation of trust, granting employers peace of mind in their drug testing procedures.