Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain biomarkers within their fibers, offering a long-term record of substance use. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use over an estimated three-month period. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, taken from around 200 strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be used, an equivalent amount of body hair can be provided. By "head hair," we refer solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The core procedures in the lab handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped accordingly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and entering any supplementary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. Though Screening is a cost-efficient strategy for disqualifying drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample that tests presumptively positive during Screening requires further confirmation.
Should the Screening suggest a positive result, more hair from the primary sample is prepared for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from the hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), demonstrating why hair drug analysis is the most challenging procedure.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all samples presumed positive are washed as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Winslow, IL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine exams in numerous ways, particularly in detection accuracy and reliability. While both have their place, hair tests are favored for their enhanced precision.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle exams provide a more robust and consistent detection process. This is particularly beneficial for employers in Winslow, IL, who seek superior accuracy in substance detection.
Hair follicle testing in Winslow, IL, provides an extensive detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days. This gives employers a deeper insight into an individual's substance use history compared to other methods.
In Winslow, IL, the extended detection period of hair follicle testing allows for a comprehensive review of an applicant's or employee's substance use, proving invaluable for employers looking for long-term patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Winslow, IL, offer a significant edge by minimizing the risk of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results. This makes them a favored choice for reliable testing outcomes.
The robust methodology of hair follicle testing in Winslow, IL, ensures that samples remain unadulterated, providing a clear and reliable assessment of substance use that cannot be easily contested.
With convenient testing centers across the nation, including locally in Winslow, IL, accessing drug testing services is quick and straightforward. This extensive network ensures efficient service and accessibility.
Winslow, IL residents benefit from nearby testing facilities, as part of a nationwide network, making it simple to undertake hair follicle tests with minimal hassle, ensuring prompt and convenient access.
Ordering and taking a hair follicle test in Winslow, IL, is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. This streamlined process ensures ease of use and discreet handling.
The simple, confidential process in Winslow, IL, for conducting hair follicle tests offers users peace of mind, ensuring that privacy is maintained throughout the examination procedure from start to finish.
Affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times highlights the excellent value provided for hair follicle testing in Winslow, IL. Companies benefit from competitive pricing structures with reliable service.
In Winslow, IL, the hair follicle testing offers swift results and reasonable prices, catering to businesses of all sizes seeking cost-effective and timely drug testing solutions.
The hair follicle drug test not only offers speed but also precision in results, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use. In Winslow, IL, this testing method stands out by providing rapid and trustworthy outcomes.
Employers and individuals prioritize the hair test in Winslow, IL, due to its ability to deliver fast and reliable insights into potential substance use. This helps in making informed decisions quickly and accurately.
In Winslow, IL, employing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks while promoting a safer work environment. Employers value the peace of mind this fosters.
Hair follicle testing in Winslow, IL, assures employers of adherence to stringent policies, reducing liability issues and enhancing overall workplace safety, thereby instilling confidence and peace of mind.