Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a lengthy account of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over approximately a three-month period. It's straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A specimen of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) closest to the head will yield 100mg of hair, ideal for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional examinations, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair. "Body hair" covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The drug testing laboratory workflow consists of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation stages.
Accessioning is the intake procedure where a sample is logged into a laboratory's system. This includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information not submitted through an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While it is economical for eliminating drug use across most samples, positive results require confirmation for legal admissibility. Any presumed positives in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
When a significant result is found during Screening, extra hair from the original specimen is selected for Extraction. In this stage, substances are removed from hair at a lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair testing a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive findings in Screening is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positives undergo cleansing before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sheffield, IL: Hair testing stands out for its superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. It offers a more comprehensive view, capturing a longer detection period and reducing each sample's vulnerability to manipulation.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides enhanced detection capabilities, making it an ideal solution for extensive substance use screening with greater precision.
Extended Detection Window in Sheffield, IL: Hair follicle testing offers the remarkable ability to detect drug use over a period reaching up to 90 days, providing a detailed overview of an individual's substance usage history.
This extended detection window allows employers a more comprehensive assessment of potential or current employees’ drug use, ensuring informed, safer hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sheffield, IL: Hair follicle testing minimizes tampering risks, ensuring genuine and reliable results. Unlike urine testing, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration, boosting test integrity.
By significantly reducing possibilities for sample manipulation, hair tests provide employers and authorities with confidence in the accuracy and honesty of drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sheffield, IL: With testing centers nationwide, including Sheffield, IL, accessing our services is both quick and hassle-free, no matter where you are located.
Our comprehensive network ensures that testing is readily available, simplifying the process for individuals and employers seeking efficient drug testing solutions close to home.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sheffield, IL: We prioritize a straightforward, private process for obtaining, conducting, and receiving test results, addressing privacy and user needs effectively.
Through our simple, confidential procedures, individuals can have peace of mind knowing their privacy is respected without complicating the test process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sheffield, IL: Our competitive pricing and speedy turnaround times offer exceptional value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
With budget-friendly options and quick results, our hair follicle testing services provide cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or reliability, promoting a stress-free experience.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sheffield, IL: Hair follicle tests deliver unmatched precision, swiftly detecting substance use with high accuracy. These tests offer precise insights into an individual's drug habits, ensuring results that employers and legal professionals can trust.
The efficiency of hair testing grants rapid results without compromising accuracy. This speed and reliability make it an excellent choice for those needing timely assessments for drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sheffield, IL: Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment.
Using hair testing methods helps employers maintain compliance, ensuring a safer, substance-free atmosphere that benefits overall workplace productivity and morale, supporting long-term success.