Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair encapsulates extended-term evidence of these substances by embedding bio-indicators within the strands as they develop. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for about three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal specimen for both screening and verification. For EtG and extended panels beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's best to measure the weight on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers to scalp hair only; "Body hair" includes all other hair (facial, armpits, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing drug test samples involve these four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is processed into the lab system. This ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any missing data entry not captured by an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary check for substance abuse. While this is a cost-efficient way to identify drug use in most samples, a screen yielding a positive result requires validation to be legally admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening undergo further Confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is readied for Extraction. Measured at a lower concentration than in tests like urine or oral fluid, hair drug extraction is a complex method.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for validating any positive outcomes from Screening. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation, if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to often as "hair follicle tests", they actually analyze the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the epidermis.
Hair follicle testing outshines urine tests in Washington, IL, by offering superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair testing provides a more accurate and reliable assessment of drug use. With an extended detection window, it captures a longer history of substance use, making it a preferred choice for those seeking comprehensive evaluations, ensuring enhanced trust and efficacy.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Washington, IL, is a key advantage. Unlike other methods, hair testing can reveal substance use over a period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive view allows employers to gain insights into an individual's long-term drug habits, providing a clearer, more detailed picture of their substance history which is vital in making informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Washington, IL, is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the results. The rigorous collection process guarantees that the findings are reliable and trustworthy, offering peace of mind to employers and clients seeking dependable drug testing solutions.
In Washington, IL, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers is unmatched. Clients benefit from quick, easy access to testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Whether local or cross-country, our centers provide a seamless journey from test initiation to result acquisition, contributing to an effortless and efficient process for all involved.
Washington, IL offers a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering to result delivery, every step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. Concerns regarding confidentiality are addressed, ensuring a seamless experience for all individuals, making it a preferred choice for those valuing discreet, effective testing.
In Washington, IL, hair follicle testing stands out due to its affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Our pricing structures are competitive, providing excellent value across various business sizes. This, coupled with rapid result delivery, makes it an ideal solution for companies seeking high-quality testing while maintaining financial efficiency and reassurance.
In Washington, IL, hair follicle testing is synonymous with speed and accuracy. This method quickly delivers reliable results, making it ideal for businesses that demand prompt and precise drug use detection. With its advanced technology, hair testing not only identifies substance use efficiently but also ensures high precision, elevating its reliability over traditional methods.
For employers in Washington, IL, hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind. By integrating this method into their drug-free policies, companies reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety. The comprehensive detection ability of hair testing ensures adherence to regulations, bolstering organizational security and fostering a safe work environment.
