Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing has evolved to recognize its effectiveness in detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. By sourcing hair close to the scalp, one can achieve a detection span of roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, produces 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for accurately weighing the specimen. In cases where scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within the laboratory's system. This phase includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial quick assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides an economical approach to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive screening result must be verified to be considered valid in legal scenarios. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for the Extraction process. During this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to implement.
Any positive results from Screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforming to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Spring Valley, IL, hair follicle testing has several advantages over traditional urine testing. With its superior detection accuracy, it can reveal past drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a clearer view of a person's history. While urine tests can be limited to a shorter window of detection, hair testing assures that any ongoing or past substance use is not overlooked, ensuring reliable and comprehensive evaluation.
Compared to urine tests, hair testing is more challenging to evade, ensuring results are dependable. This testing method secures peace of mind with its unmatchable efficiency in detecting and documenting substance use, making it the preferred option for employers and institutions that prioritize accurate and thorough results.
Hair follicle testing in Spring Valley, IL stands out due to its extended detection window, which can trace drug use back up to 90 days. This comprehensive view offered by hair testing allows employers a more thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use, covering a wider timeframe than other testing methods.
The prolonged detection period makes hair follicle tests particularly valuable in ongoing drug surveillance. Organizations prioritize this method because it uncovers habits or patterns that might be missed by other forms of testing, ensuring a fuller picture of an applicant or employee's history.
In Spring Valley, IL, hair follicle testing inherently reduces tampering risks, providing reliable results. By analyzing hair samples, the testing method significantly minimizes chances of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain uncontaminated and trustworthy. This makes hair tests ideal for those requiring definitive and unquestionable evidence of drug use.
The robust nature of hair follicle tests assures that both employers and individuals obtain data free from manipulative attempts. This level of security in testing ensures that the results reflect accurate substance use history, establishing confidence in the testing outcome.
In Spring Valley, IL, Accredited Drug Testing facilitates the experience with its nationwide and local testing locations, offering convenience and ease. The availability of numerous sites ensures that individuals can access testing services quickly and without hassle, enhancing the overall user experience by making testing accessible and straightforward.
Our network of testing centers in Spring Valley allows for efficient and prompt service, ensuring that individuals and employers alike benefit from the swift accessibility of testing facilities. This wide reach guarantees that testing is always close at hand, meeting the demands of clients wherever they are.
At Spring Valley, IL, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Clients can order, participate in, and receive results with ease while maintaining privacy throughout the procedure. This ensures a seamless experience where confidentiality concerns are remedied, providing peace of mind every step of the way.
The unobtrusive and discreet process reassures clients that their sensitive information is handled with the utmost confidentiality, matching strong privacy standards. This dedication to maintaining a simple yet secure process forms the backbone of efficient service delivery, fostering trust in every transaction.
Accredited Drug Testing in Spring Valley, IL offers competitive pricing and rapid results, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of any size. Our pricing structures mean that organizations can maintain rigorous drug testing regimes without undue financial strain, achieving high standards efficiently.
Our quick turnaround times do not compromise on quality, providing exceptional value alongside peace of mind. Spring Valley businesses can rely on receiving prompt, reliable results that maximize both fiscal resources and operational efficiency, enhancing workflow while ensuring reliable monitoring standards.
Accredited Drug Testing in Spring Valley, IL offers hair follicle tests renowned for their rapid and precise results. These tests efficiently detect substance use, proving to be highly accurate and trustworthy. The speed at which hair tests can deliver conclusive results makes them an ideal choice for those requiring fast turnarounds without compromise on accuracy.
Clients in Spring Valley receive dependable results in an expedited fashion, thanks to the cutting-edge methodology of hair follicle testing. This type of drug testing ensures that any substances used are reliably identified, providing an efficient and dependable solution for both individuals and organizations seeking comprehensive analysis.
Employers in Spring Valley, IL looking for compliant drug-free workplace policies find peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to regulations and promotes a safe work environment by significantly deterring illicit drug use. It reduces legal risks, aligning with rigorous drug policies necessary for robust organizational operations.
The use of hair follicle tests aids in enforcing consistent and transparent drug policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal implications, ensuring that workplace safety remains uncompromised, fostering both a productive and drug-free work setting.