Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent body hair amount can be collected. In reference to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab process for analyzing a drug test result includes four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial sample processing in a lab's system. This step involves verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that didn’t originate from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug presence. This stage is cost-efficient for excluding drugs in most samples, but a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples showing a possible positive in Screening need additional confirmation.
For samples with initial positive results in Screening, extra hair from the specimen is utilized for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair testing as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screens is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. Each lab stage, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shobonier, IL
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering longer detection periods and superior accuracy. While urine tests excel in recent drug detection, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of drug use over months.
Extended Detection Window in Shobonier, IL
Hair follicle testing captures drug use history for up to 90 days, enabling employers to assess an individual's substance use over a significant period. This extended window is key in evaluating consistent substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shobonier, IL
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the chances of sample tampering. The method's resistant nature ensures the integrity of the sample and reliability of results, offering a trustworthy testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Shobonier, IL
Our widespread testing centers provide easy access to drug testing services, ensuring seamless and prompt testing procedures for all clients, no matter their location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shobonier, IL
Ordering, taking, and receiving results are straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and convenience for all clients, fostering a stress-free testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shobonier, IL
Competitive pricing combined with quick result turnaround times ensures high value for businesses of any size, ensuring financial efficiency without sacrificing quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shobonier, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their precision and quick delivery of results. The accuracy of these tests allows for dependable detection of substance use, providing both employers and individuals with confidence in the outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shobonier, IL
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance mitigates legal risks and promotes a safer work environment for all employees.
