Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and analyses exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is missing, equivalent body hair may be used. Mention of head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial integration into the lab's system. This step comprises checking the sample's proper seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid drug abuse check. Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use for most samples, but positive results here require court-admissible confirmation. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation during Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging approach to execute.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The full lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are profound in West Point, IL. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred method for many organizations. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can showcase a person's substance use with great detail, offering peace of mind to employers enforcing drug-free policies.
Employers in West Point, IL, appreciate the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. Unlike shorter detection periods typical of urine tests, hair tests can uncover drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive insight allows employers to better understand an individual's substance history, aiding in more informed decision-making processes related to employment.
For those in West Point, IL, concerned about the integrity of drug test results, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant solution. These tests minimize the risk of adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and trustworthy. The secure collection process means that the outcomes are credible and difficult to contest, offering assurance to both employers and legal professionals.
With our convenient nationwide testing centers, including facilities in West Point, IL, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and simple. Our widespread locations ensure that individuals and companies can easily receive the necessary testing without hassle. The local availability of testing centers means that getting tested is both comfortable and efficient.
In West Point, IL, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, each step is designed to protect privacy and simplify the experience. Participants are assured of ease of use, with results presented in a clear and confidential manner, putting any privacy concerns to rest.
We pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in West Point, IL. Our competitive pricing structure ensures that businesses, regardless of size, can benefit from excellent value for hair follicle testing. Coupled with rapid result delivery, we strive to provide peace of mind alongside fiscal efficiency, making us the smart choice for drug testing needs.
In West Point, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results that are unmatched by many traditional methods. These tests provide high precision in detecting substance use, making them invaluable for employers and legal entities. Not only do they deliver answers promptly, but their accuracy in identifying drugs is unparalleled, ensuring confidence in the results obtained.
Hair follicle testing offers compliance and peace of mind for employers in West Point, IL. By utilizing this method, businesses can ensure they adhere to drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. The comprehensive and reliable nature of hair testing promotes a secure environment conducive to productivity and wellbeing.
