Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline for tracking the presence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal approximately a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in lab processing of drug tests consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary review for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates the presence of drugs for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Positively screened samples necessitate secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screenings notably challenging.
Positive screening confirmations are conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All initially positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation standards outlined in ISO/IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sunny Crest, IL
Hair follicle testing in Sunny Crest, IL provides unbeatable detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The extended detection period is unparalleled, providing a window of up to 90 days. Employers and institutions get a comprehensive insight that urine tests simply can't offer, ensuring higher accuracy and reliability in substance use detection.
Extended Detection Window in Sunny Crest, IL
The hallmark of hair follicle drug testing in Sunny Crest, IL is its extended detection window. Up to 90 days of substance use history can be revealed, offering employers a thorough perspective on an individual's drug use over time. This wider window facilitates more informed decision-making, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sunny Crest, IL
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Sunny Crest, IL is unmatched, as the likelihood of tampering is drastically reduced. With a collection method designed to prevent adulteration, employers can confidently trust in the test results. The reliability of these tests provides peace of mind by delivering unquestionable and precise results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sunny Crest, IL
With testing centers nationwide, including Sunny Crest, IL, access to drug screening services is straightforward and pain-free. Convenient locations are a priority, ensuring that individuals and employers can avail of reliable testing without added hassle, providing practical and effortless testing solutions everywhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sunny Crest, IL
Our hair follicle testing process in Sunny Crest, IL is engineered for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering a test to obtaining results, every step is designed to guarantee privacy, making the experience seamless and stress-free. This commitment ensures that individual concerns regarding privacy and ease of use are effectively addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sunny Crest, IL
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Sunny Crest, IL a cost-effective choice for companies. Offering great value, the rapid delivery of results ensures businesses can make timely decisions, catering to organizations of all sizes with effectiveness and economy in mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sunny Crest, IL
Hair follicle drug testing in Sunny Crest, IL combines speed with pinpoint precision. These tests are renowned for their swift reporting times, ensuring that results are delivered promptly. The reliability of hair tests is second to none, offering assured accuracy that surpasses other testing methods, making them the top choice for discerning employers seeking fast and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sunny Crest, IL
Hair follicle testing helps Sunny Crest, IL employers meet compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and enhancing the safety of the workplace, companies not only protect their interests but also foster a secure environment for employees, supporting peace of mind through comprehensive substance use evaluations.