Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of these substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an estimated three-month timeframe for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to alter, and simplifies transportation.
A 1.5-inch piece containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut close to the scalp will equate to about 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifies only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing drug test results comprises four core phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's system. It includes checking the sample’s seal and shipment accuracy, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a swift initial evaluation for substance abuse. Although this method is cost-efficient for dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screening must undergo confirmation for it to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the main specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are obtained from hair at much reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing why hair drug analysis is the most technically challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo required cleansing before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tuscola, IL, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy uncovers a broader spectrum of substances with higher reliability. This method ensures that even long-term drug use is visible, unlike urine tests which only capture recent consumption. Employers in search of stringent testing will find hair analysis provides a more effective solution to bolster their drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in Tuscola, IL, provides an unparalleled detection window, tracing back drug use for up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance history, far surpassing the limited scope of traditional testing methods. Such extended detection is crucial for making informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
In Tuscola, IL, hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be compromised, hair samples are collected in a manner that significantly diminishes the risk of adulteration. This ensures that the results remain unquestionably authentic and reliable, providing peace of mind for employers and legal authorities seeking definitive evidence of drug use.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing locations, including Tuscola, IL, making drug tests accessible and hassle-free. Our numerous centers across various cities ensure that testing services remain within reach for all individuals and businesses. This ease of access supports both local and traveling employees in maintaining compliance without logistical challenges.
Our drug testing process in Tuscola, IL, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to safeguard privacy while being user-friendly. Employers and individuals appreciate the streamlined experience, which addresses concerns about data safety, making it an ideal choice for sensitive testing needs.
Easy and discreet process
In Tuscola, IL, we offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround for our drug testing services. This affordability ensures companies of all sizes can benefit from top-notch testing without straining budgets. Our quick results provide excellent value, reassuring employers of comprehensive service and cost-effectiveness in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Fast and budget-friendly
In Tuscola, IL, hair follicle tests are lauded for their rapid and accurate results. These tests provide a high precision rate, quickly identifying substance use across a broad spectrum of drugs. Their effectiveness outshines traditional methods, ensuring that results are both prompt and reliable, a crucial asset for employers seeking dependable drug testing solutions.
Employers in Tuscola, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing which supports compliance with rigid workplace drug-free policies. This method not only minimizes legal liabilities but also promotes a safer work environment. Hair testing aligns with zero-tolerance measures to offer peace of mind by validating efforts to maintain a secure and compliant workplace.
