Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substances through the capture of biomarkers within the fibers as the strand grows. When collected near the scalp, hair allows for approximately a 3-month window in detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, comparatively hard to tamper with, and easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equal quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair while body hair pertains to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial registration of a sample within a laboratory's system. It involves verifying that the sample was securely sealed and transported correctly, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
In the case of a presumptive positive outcome during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting substances from hair at a concentration markedly lower than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in White City, IL.
These advantages demonstrate the reliability and efficacy of hair testing.
Extended Detection Window in White City, IL.
The extended window provides critical insights for various situations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in White City, IL.
This method grants peace of mind through secure testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in White City, IL.
Convenient options simplify the testing process significantly.
Simple, Confidential Process in White City, IL.
The process fosters confidence through guaranteed discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in White City, IL.
Financially savvy options provide peace of mind to clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in White City, IL.
For those requiring quick and accurate diagnosis, this method stands out.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in White City, IL.
Ensuring compliance strengthens workplace integrity and trust.