Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair exclusively, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an affordable method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing in Standard City, IL, particularly shine when compared to traditional urine tests. With superior detection periods and accuracy, it provides a reliable measure, far surpassing urine tests in identifying long-term substance use, offering unmatched reliability and trustworthiness.
Hair follicle testing in Standard City, IL, extends over an impressive detection window of up to 90 days, offering a thorough evaluation of an individual's drug history. This capability enables employers to gain critical insight into employees' or applicants' substance use over a prolonged period.
In Standard City, IL, the hair follicle test offers a tamper-resistant alternative, minimizing the risk of sample manipulation. Its robust protocol ensures that results remain accurate and trustworthy, making it a dependable choice for drug testing needs.
Convenience is paramount with our testing centers nationwide, including those in Standard City, IL. Effortless access means quick, seamless testing sessions, ensuring that clients receive thorough service without the inconvenience of travel or scheduling conflicts.
In Standard City, IL, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Our approach respects privacy while providing a user-friendly experience from order placement through obtaining results, addressing concerns with discretion and ease.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Standard City, IL, provides exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. With competitive cost structures and rapid results, we ensure an economically viable solution without compromising on quality.
Recognized for its swift, precise results, hair follicle testing in Standard City, IL, stands out as a top method for detecting drug use. With high accuracy, it identifies various substances, ensuring reliable outcomes crucial for employers and organizations needing quick substance use verification.
Employers in Standard City, IL, benefit from hair follicle tests by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method strengthens legal safeguards and heightens workplace safety, offering peace of mind in maintaining a secure and drug-free environment.
