Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair offers a comprehensive history of substance intake by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing strands. Hair collected closely to the scalp can indicate the presence of alcohol and other substances for up to 3 months. Its collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG tests, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to measure the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is structured around four prime phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within the laboratory framework. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and shipping are intact, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial appraisal for substance abuse. While Screening can economically exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for validity in legal contexts. Every sample that screens presumptively positive mandates further confirmation.
Should a sample screen positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction process. Here, substances are removed from the hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence posing greater challenges in execution than other drug screening methods.
Positive results in Screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS analysis. Prior to confirmation, all samples that are presumptively positive undergo a washing step as necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Shorewood, IL
In the context of drug detection, hair follicle testing stands superior to urine tests. Hair testing offers enhanced accuracy and a longer window of detection up to 90 days, whereas urine tests can only capture recent drug use. This method is particularly advantageous for employers seeking a detailed depiction of an individual's drug history, proving dependable and reliable.
Extended Detection Window in Shorewood, IL
Hair follicle tests provide a much longer detection period compared to urine tests, reaching up to 90 days. This expanded window allows employers to comprehensively assess an individual’s substance use history. Such insights are crucial for making informed hiring choices and sustaining a safe, drug-free environment within the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Shorewood, IL
Hair follicle tests are designed to prevent sample tampering, offering reliable results that are hard to dispute. Unlike urine tests that can be subtly compromised, hair tests are resistant to manipulation, assuring employers of their integrity and reinforcing the authenticity of the testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Shorewood, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures ease and convenience, providing quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services both locally in Shorewood and across the nation. This broad reach affirms efficient and accessible testing for clients wherever they may be situated.
Simple, Confidential Process in Shorewood, IL
The process for hair follicle drug testing is straightforward and discreet. Clients can easily order tests, complete them with ease, and receive timely results, all while being assured of complete confidentiality, addressing common concerns about privacy and the ease of use in testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Shorewood, IL
Our competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing paired with rapid turnaround times provide unmatched value for companies of every size. Quick results coupled with reasonable costs contribute to smoother operations, delivering cost-effective peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Shorewood, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for delivering swift and dependable results, ensuring precision in substance detection. The testing procedure provides a high level of accuracy, significantly outstripping traditional testing methods and offering assurance to clients and employers alike. In essence, hair testing serves as an efficient means for identifying drug use promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Shorewood, IL
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests supports adherence to workplace drug policies, significantly minimizing legal risks. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are maintaining compliance and certifying their workplace's safety, fostering a secure and productive work environment.
