Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a long-range record of exposure to alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers in the strands' fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can show a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional options, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it exclusively relates to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step entails confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a screen indicating positivity must be validated for it to stand in legal proceedings. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In the case of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, the drugs are extracted from hair at a more diluted concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods conduct the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. Each step of the laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Thawville, IL, hair follicle testing is a superior choice over urine tests. It boasts better detection accuracy and reliability.
Longer detection: Hair tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, unlike the shorter window of urine tests.
In Thawville, IL, hair follicle tests are valuable for spotting drug use over extended periods, covering up to 90 days. This comprehensive approach benefits employers.
Detailed analysis
For Thawville, IL, businesses, hair testing offers a tamper-proof method. It significantly limits adulteration risks.
Reduced manipulation: A priority for credible results.
Accessing tests is simple in Thawville, IL with our nationwide network.
Convenience: Ensures easy test administration.
The hair follicle test process in Thawville, IL, is streamlined, guaranteeing simplicity and confidentiality.
Ease of use: Order and receive results effortlessly.
Competitive pricing in Thawville, IL makes hair testing an attractive option for all company sizes.Fast turnaround: Quick results and affordable prices.
Hair follicle testing stands out in Thawville, IL for its swift and precise results, outshining other methods. Its accuracy in unveiling substance use is unrivaled.
Employers in Thawville, IL can rely on hair follicle testing for peace of mind, enabling compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Ensures safety while reducing legal implications.