Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now acknowledged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive historical record by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it develops. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 strands (resembling the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is preferred. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair is an option. Head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab procedure for generating a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is integrated into a laboratory’s framework. It involves verifying the sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input not covered by an electronic custody sequence.
Screening is a preliminary check for the presence of drugs. While it is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result must be validated for legal acceptance. Samples that are provisionally positive during Screening do necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample appears positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. This stage isolates drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or salivary fluid), presenting a challenge unique to hair drug testing.
Any positive result from the screening is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as positive undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. The entire examination process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair label and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
In Tampico, IL, hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair testing is able to detect drug use over a longer period, offering a broader window into a person's substance use history. Unlike urine tests that only identify recent drug use, hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive picture, making them a preferred choice for employers seeking reliability.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Tampico, IL, offers an unparalleled look into an individual's drug use history. This extended timeframe means that employers receive a more comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance use, allowing for more informed decision-making and fostering a drug-free workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures reliability and authenticity of results in Tampico, IL. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering. This makes them an ideal choice where there is a need for unquestionable results that provide peace of mind to stakeholders.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient nationwide testing locations and local options in Tampico, IL. Our extensive network ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, accommodating diverse client needs effectively. No matter where you are, our services are accessible, facilitating seamless testing experiences with minimal disruption.
The process for hair follicle testing in Tampico, IL is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. Individuals are assured of a process that respects their confidentiality while providing clarity and straightforwardness throughout.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Tampico, IL provides excellent value. Our competitive pricing structure caters to companies of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality. Quick turnaround means results are delivered swiftly, allowing for timely decision-making.
In Tampico, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results that stand out for their precision. With a higher accuracy rate in detecting drug use, these tests significantly outperform their urine counterparts. The methodology behind hair testing ensures that both employees and employers have confidence in the results, providing reassurance and trust in the process.
For employers in Tampico, IL, hair follicle tests offer compliance and peace of mind. Adopting this method helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks and enhancing overall safety. Hair testing supports a culture of accountability and reliability, paving the way for a safer, more productive work environment.
