Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for assessments and confirmations. For EtG, additives, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, it refers to scalp hair only. Body hair signifies all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages involved in the laboratory handling of a drug test result, which are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This encompasses checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, giving a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court acceptability. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and set up for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is considered the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair mandate and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests," the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the subcutaneous hair follicle.
In Sleepy Hollow, IL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can track drug use over a longer period, making it harder to deceive.
Additionally, the extended detection window of hair tests offers an invaluable tool for employers and organizations seeking comprehensive drug use histories, providing a safeguard against illicit substance use.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Sleepy Hollow, IL. This is paramount in capturing a thorough history of drug use.
The ability to detect past substance use over an extended period offers employers a broad view of an individual's drug history, facilitating informed decision-making for hiring or continued employment.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Sleepy Hollow, IL, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration.
The process of collecting hair samples for testing ensures that results are reliable and difficult to manipulate, providing employers and authorities with peace of mind about the authenticity of the results.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including Sleepy Hollow, IL, accessing hair follicle testing services is a straightforward process.
Our testing centers offer quick, easy, and hassle-free access, ensuring that individuals and businesses can engage in necessary drug testing with minimal inconvenience.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Sleepy Hollow, IL, ensures privacy and ease of use. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed to respect privacy concerns.
The testing procedure is seamless and considerate of individual needs, providing clear communication and support throughout.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, our services in Sleepy Hollow, IL, cater to companies of all sizes, delivering outstanding value and assurance.
Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with speedy results delivery, make hair follicle drug testing an attractive option for businesses seeking cost-effective testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug tests provide fast and accurate results in Sleepy Hollow, IL. This method is highly reliable, capable of detecting substance use with precision and speed.
The hair testing process is timely and efficient, eliminating the lengthy wait times associated with more traditional testing methods. With a quick turnaround on results, it offers significant advantages in promoting a drug-free environment.
Employers in Sleepy Hollow, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing as it guarantees compliance with workplace drug-free policies. The method decreases legal risks and ensures a safe work environment.
The accuracy and precision of hair testing provide employers with a robust tool in maintaining policy adherence, enhancing the overall safety and security of the workplace.
