Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substance use, embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample of about 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect sample size for testing and confirmation. To test for EtG, additional tests, or for tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses any other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab-based processing of a drug test outcome involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. Tasks include confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishing any data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in numerous samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening do require further confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this step, drug compounds are isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Positive results achieved during Screening are then authenticated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to required confirmations. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Superiority of Hair Testing over Urine Testing in Long Grove, IA. Contrary to conventional urine tests, hair tests boast heightened accuracy and reliability. The superior detection capabilities of hair tests provide a more comprehensive analysis, ensuring optimal results.
Vast Detection Window with Hair Testing in Long Grove, IA. The ability of hair follicle assessments to identify substance use extends to a period of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's drug-use history.
Hair Testing: A Tamper-Proof Solution in Long Grove, IA. Hair follicle assessments offer a notable resistance to tampering, delivering trustworthy and undeniable outcomes. This integrity ensures reliable substance use testing.
Convenient Access to Testing Facilities in Long Grove, IA. Through our nationwide network, testing services remain easily accessible, allowing for straightforward, prompt, and painless testing experiences.
Effortless & Private Hair Testing in Long Grove, IA. The process of ordering, conducting, and obtaining results remains seamless and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease.
Competitive Rates & Speedy Results in Long Grove, IA. Our pricing models offer competitive value, with rapid turnaround times delivering exceptional assurance to organizations of varied sizes.
Instant & Accurate Outcomes with Hair Testing in Long Grove, IA. Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched accuracy and expedience, detecting substance use with remarkable precision. Its reliability surpasses traditional methods, allowing for a rapid, trusted assessment.
Assured Compliance & Safety with Hair Testing in Long Grove, IA. Employing hair testing methods assures employers meet their drug-free policies, minimizing legal hazards while cementing workplace security.
