Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair sample analysis is now recognized as an effective means to detect consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term evidence of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Sampling hair closely to the scalp offers a detection window of nearly three months for various substances. This method is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for screening verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more extensive panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In instances where scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves these four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning describes the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step entails ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary test for controlled substances. Although Screening is an affordable method to exclude drug usage in most samples, positive results must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further verification.
For samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing one of the more challenging methodologies.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology is utilized for confirming positive screening outcomes. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before final confirmation if necessary. Every step of the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", this assessment evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Charles, IL
In comparing hair follicle testing against traditional urine tests, its superior detection accuracy and reliability come to light. Hair tests retain drug traces up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer only short-term detection. This extended window ensures a comprehensive view of substance usage, proving invaluable in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in St. Charles, IL
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window for substance use, capable of revealing drug intake over the previous 90 days. This expansive timeframe furnishes employers with detailed insights into an individual's drug history, granting them the information needed to make informed hiring and retention decisions. As such, it supports a drug-free workplace by curbing substance misuse concerns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Charles, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are inherently tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which can be tampered with, hair tests offer reliable and incontrovertible results. This ensures that employers in St. Charles, IL can trust the data they receive, making it a preferred choice for maintaining workplace integrity and drug policy compliance.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Charles, IL
Our testing service boasts convenient locations nationwide, including St. Charles, IL. This extensive network guarantees quick and hassle-free access to testing centers, making it easier than ever to arrange a hair follicle drug test. With widespread availability, scheduling a test becomes a streamlined process, offering flexibility and efficiency to meet diverse needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Charles, IL
With a straightforward and confidential testing process, accessing hair follicle test results in St. Charles, IL has never been easier. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step is designed to ensure privacy and ease of use, minimizing concerns about confidentiality while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Charles, IL
Our competitive pricing structure, combined with fast turnaround times, affords companies in St. Charles, IL excellent value and peace of mind. Delivering high-quality drug testing services without unnecessary delays ensures businesses can promptly and effectively manage their drug testing requirements, all while staying within budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Charles, IL
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness, providing highly accurate substance use detection. In St. Charles, IL, these tests deliver quick results, ensuring that individuals and employers receive reliable data promptly. The advanced technology employed in hair testing guarantees minimal errors, offering an unparalleled level of reliability in the drug testing industry.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Charles, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus reducing legal risks and augmenting workplace safety. The robust detection capabilities of hair tests relieve employers in St. Charles, IL, promoting a secure working environment where adherence to policy is observable and verifiable, fostering a culture of trust and safety.
