Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. By collecting hair proximal to the scalp, it can indicate substance use over approximately a 3-month period. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hairs (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in a laboratory drug test process encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of entering a test sample into a laboratory system. This step includes confirming the sample's secure sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a rapid initial check for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples yielding a presumptive positive result during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample indicates positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. Here, substances are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug analysis the most complex methodology.
Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily testing positive are washed as required before confirmation. The entire laboratory pathway from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug analysis:
Constraints:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the examination assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Country Club Hills, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides increased accuracy and reliability thanks to its extensive detection period, capable of identifying substance use over several months. While urine tests offer shorter detection spans, hair tests deliver more comprehensive insights into a person's substance history.
Employers in Country Club Hills benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This lengthier observation period enables businesses to assess an applicant or employee's long-term substance use patterns, granting a thorough overview that urine tests cannot match.
Minimizing the risk of tampering, hair follicle tests in Country Club Hills ensure reliable, unaltered results. These tests combat sample adulteration attempts, making them a trustworthy choice for accurate substance use assessments. With hair testing, the integrity of the sample is preserved throughout the process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers, including in Country Club Hills, ensuring effortless access to testing services. This widespread network allows quick, hassle-free testing, aligning with the needs of businesses and individuals seeking dependable testing solutions across the country.
Enjoy a seamless, confidential experience with our hair follicle testing services in Country Club Hills. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, our straightforward process emphasizes privacy and user ease, offering peace of mind to those concerned about confidentiality.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid results, our hair follicle tests in Country Club Hills deliver unbeatable value. Regardless of company size, our affordable solutions and swift turnaround times make us an advantageous choice for businesses seeking cost-effective, reliable drug testing options.
Hair follicle tests in Country Club Hills deliver fast and precise outcomes, making them an ideal choice for substance detection. Their ability to accurately trace drug use contributes to their credibility. These tests efficiently detect drug use significantly offering a reliable measure for individuals or organizations seeking dependable results.
For employers in Country Club Hills, hair follicle testing aligns with zero-tolerance and drug-free workplace policies. Implementing this testing method not only enhances workplace safety but also alleviates legal concerns, providing peace of mind and a compliant environment for employers seeking to uphold strict drug policies.
