Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can indicate substance use over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) situated nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, considered the best sample size for both screening and verification. For tests like EtG, additional panels, or evaluations beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. Scaling the specimen using a jeweler’s balance is advisable. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four central steps inherent in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not provided through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for illicit drug usage. Although Screening offers an economical solution to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to qualify for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a sample may be positive, additional hair is extracted from the original batch for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lesser concentration than in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug testing is the most intricate method to perform.
Verification of a positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as per necessity. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Jacksonville, IL
These advantages ensure hair follicle tests stand apart as the preferred choice for comprehensive substance scrutiny.
Extended Detection Window in South Jacksonville, IL
Employers receive a well-rounded view of an individual’s potential drug use implications.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Jacksonville, IL
Companies and institutions trust hair testing for its hardened defense against manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Jacksonville, IL
This network offers individuals and employers convenient testing options across locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Jacksonville, IL
This ensures comfort and confidentiality at every step of the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Jacksonville, IL
Our economic options ensure every business can afford quality testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Jacksonville, IL
This method has swiftly become a cornerstone in substance use detection, valued for its efficiency in providing clear and unquestionable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Jacksonville, IL
Such testing is pivotal in ensuring both safety and legal standing in the work environment.
