Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has gained recognition as a potent method for identifying substance and alcohol use. Hair serves as a long-term indicator of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair samples offer roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment composed of approximately 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be obtained. In the context of head hair, we refer to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. While Screening provides a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening demand secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to administer.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples determined presumptively positive are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The entire testing process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation following ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the actual testing analyzes the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Stolle, IL, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests with limited timeframes, hair tests can track drug use patterns over months, providing clear insights into an individual's substance use timeline.
Hair follicle tests are esteemed for their reliability. While urine tests may suffice for recent use, hair testing reveals long-term patterns and minimizes the risk of false negatives, thus revealing a comprehensive picture of substance use.
Employers in Stolle, IL favor hair follicle tests for their extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests offer an extensive view into an applicant or employee's history, surpassing conventional methods that cover shorter periods.
This longer detection capability ensures employers get a detailed account of any potential substance issues, aiding in informed decision-making and personnel management.
The hair follicle testing method implemented in Stolle, IL, offers a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. Unlike other methods, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, ensuring the integrity of the results.
This rigorous testing process consequently provides reliable and unquestionable outcomes, which is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in testing procedures.
The convenience of having nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Stolle, IL, ensures accessibility to our services. Our testing centers are designed for quick and hassle-free experiences, allowing individuals to undergo necessary tests without undue delay.
By offering easy access, we minimize disruptions, helping individuals and companies stay focused on their primary activities while ensuring compliance.
In Stolle, IL, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, every step is designed to address privacy concerns without compromising ease of use.
Individuals can take these tests assured that their personal information is handled with utmost confidentiality, reinforcing trust in our services.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in Stolle, IL, delivers affordable and fast turnaround times. This value-added service makes it an attractive choice for companies of all sizes.
With competitive rates, employers gain assurance in maintaining efficient testing processes without sacrificing quality, receiving swift results that support timely decision-making.
The hair follicle drug tests in Stolle, IL offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in identifying substance use is unparalleled, making them an optimal choice for those requiring trustworthy testing outcomes.
The swiftness with which results are provided ensures that decisions based on test outcomes can be made promptly and confidently, enhancing overall response times in various scenarios.
Hair follicle testing in Stolle, IL, ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, offering employers peace of mind. By using this method, businesses reduce legal risks while promoting a secure, drug-free environment.
Employers adopting these tests benefit from substantial reassurance that their workplace is compliant and protected against potential legal liabilities, fostering a safe working space.
