Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is widely regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands, offering an extended timeline of substance use. Collecting hair near the scalp can cover up to a roughly 3-month period for detecting both alcohol and drugs. The process of gathering hair samples is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair implies only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all alternative hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes comprises four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry missing from an electronic custody system.
Screening functions as a primary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug consumption in the majority of samples, any positive findings necessitate confirmation to hold up in court. Samples showing presumed positivity during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample exhibit presumptive positivity at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drug remnants are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other procedures (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening outcomes are validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positives undergo necessary washing. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often refers to this test, yet it evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior to Urine Tests in Warrenville, IL:
When comparing benefits, hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests due to its extended detection capabilities and superior reliability. This makes hair testing essential for those seeking accurate and dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Warrenville, IL:
Hair follicle testing provides insight into drug use over a substantial duration, typically up to 90 days. This extended period offers employers a robust perspective on an employee's or applicant's substance use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Warrenville, IL:
Hair follicle testing restricts the potential for sample tampering, delivering trustworthy and definitive results. It significantly curtails the likelihood of adulteration, thus reinforcing the reliability of testing outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide and in Warrenville, IL:
Benefit from the ease of access to our nationwide network of testing centers, ensuring a straightforward, convenient, and expedited testing process, available locally for community members.
Simple and Private Testing Process in Warrenville, IL:
We prioritize a straightforward and confidential testing process, allowing participants to comfortably order, undergo tests, and receive results while maintaining privacy.
Affordable Pricing with Fast Turnaround in Warrenville, IL:
Enjoy competitive pricing and quick results, offering excellent value and reassurance for enterprises of every scale in Warrenville, Illinois.
Fast, Precise Detection in Warrenville, IL:
Hair follicle drug testing is lauded for its speed and precision in identifying substance use. Such accuracy ensures confidence in the results, making it a preferred option for those who require quick assessments in the town.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Warrenville, IL:
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, thus minimizing legal risks and supporting a safe working environment for all employees.
