Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. It is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For evaluations like EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale is advised. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is registered into the lab’s system. This step assures the sample's proper sealing and transport, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use for most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples marked as potentially positive in Screening must undergo secondary Confirmation.
If Screening results are potentially positive, further hair samples are taken from the initial collection and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid). This is what makes hair drug testing a challenging process.
Positive Screening results are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive undergo washing before Confirmation as required. The entirety of the laboratory processes, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Seymour, IL, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice. By conducting hair tests, employers enjoy enhanced detection capabilities, ensuring a more dependable assessment of substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Seymour, IL, offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This broad timeframe provides employers a detailed perspective on an individual's substance use history, making it a valuable tool for evaluating both candidates and employees alike.
Opt for hair follicle tests in Seymour, IL, that greatly minimize the possibility of sample tampering. This method ensures that results are credible and defensible, offering peace of mind with its resistance to adulteration and manipulation.
Benefit from our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including in Seymour, IL. Locate a center nearby with ease, allowing for hassle-free access to testing services that are both quick and convenient. This widespread coverage enhances the accessibility of our testing solutions.
Experience a straightforward and confidential testing process in Seymour, IL. Order, take, and receive results effortlessly, with a focus on privacy and ease. This confidential approach addresses concerns, ensuring users experience a smooth and worry-free procedure from start to finish.
In Seymour, IL, our hair follicle testing is both cost-effective and efficient. Competitive pricing combined with swift turnaround times assures businesses of any scale great value. This affordability, coupled with rapid results, delivers peace of mind to all clients.
Discover swift and precise results with hair follicle testing in Seymour, IL. This method stands out for its accuracy and speed, ensuring that substance use is detected reliably. With hair testing, you gain a comprehensive insight into substance use history, bolstering confidence in the screening process.
Hair follicle testing in Seymour, IL, ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, fostering a safe and responsible environment. Employers benefit from reduced legal risks and improved workplace safety, making it a reliable choice for enforcing drug-free standards.