Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can present roughly a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to gather, moderately hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, an ideal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is permissible. 'Head hair' refers solely to scalp hair, while 'body hair' includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in the lab analysis of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system, comprising verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial assessment for drug use. While Screening is cost-efficient for disproving drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Any samples testing positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive screen results is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Spaulding, IL lies in its comprehensive detection and superior reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a broader detection window, helping to reliably reveal substance use over time, delivering peace of mind to employers.
Extended Detection Period in Spaulding, IL encapsulates the hair follicle testing advantage, with its up to 90-day detection span. Unlike shorter-detection methods, such as urine tests, it provides a complete view of someone’s substance history, aiding in responsible hiring and monitoring.
Preventing Tampering with Hair Tests in Spaulding, IL highlights how hair follicle testing significantly lowers the possibility of sample adulteration. The process is designed to deliver honest results, making it an ideal choice for accurate and irrefutable testing outcomes.
Nationwide and Local Testing Convenience in Spaulding, IL illustrates the ease provided by our widespread testing centers, ensuring that testing services are accessible quickly and without fuss, across various locations nationwide, for everyone’s convenience.
Simplicity and Privacy in Spaulding, IL defines the hair follicle testing approach — a straightforward, confidential process from ordering to results delivery. This ensures privacy is upheld, with an uncomplicated pathway for getting the necessary testing done.
Cost-effective and Swift Results in Spaulding, IL reflect competitive pricing models and rapid result delivery times. Companies, large or small, benefit from this cost efficiency and reliability, providing them with peace of mind and value.
Fast and Reliable Drug Testing in Spaulding, IL ensures that hair follicle tests are not only swift but also precise. This testing method offers unmatched accuracy, rapidly identifying substance use with minimal delays. The careful analysis process guarantees high dependability.
Enhancing Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Spaulding, IL through hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal exposure and promotes safety, giving employers the confidence they are supporting a compliant and secure work environment.
