Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record of drug and alcohol use, capturing biological markers within the hair strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair strictly. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab involves four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies if the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary review for drugs of abuse. While it is a budget-friendly way to dismiss drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-acceptable. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used to confirm any positive screening results. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes examination under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard, as well as the ISO/IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually involves the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Alto Pass, IL, lies in its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests often provide a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, making it a compelling choice for employers and legal authorities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing captures a longer detection period, ensuring more dependable results.
Moreover, hair testing reduces the likelihood of sample manipulation, bolstering its validity as a financial and administrative investment.
Extended Detection Window is a definitive advantage of hair follicle testing in Alto Pass, IL. Reaching a duration of up to 90 days, this testing method offers employers a detailed view of an applicant or employee’s past substance use, aiding informed decision-making.
Whether assessing new hires or conducting random employee checks, this extended scope serves as a valuable tool for maintaining workplace standards.
Remarkably tamper-resistant, hair follicle testing in Alto Pass, IL, drastically reduces the possibility of sample tampering. By providing a secure and reliable testing method, results stand unquestionable, ensuring trust in the outcome.
The integrity of hair testing is maintained through strict collection protocols, making it challenging to adulterate or substitute samples with illicit means.
Providing convenient nationwide testing access, including in Alto Pass, IL, our network of centers makes hair follicle tests accessible and efficient. This widespread availability ensures a quick, seamless process for individuals at local and national levels.
Our expansive reach means quicker solutions without the need for extensive travel, enhancing the overall experience for all involved.
In Alto Pass, IL, the simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing ensures comfort and privacy for all participants. Ordering and undergoing the test is straightforward, while result retrieval upholds confidentiality.
This process addresses privacy concerns effectively, making it easier for individuals and organizations to opt for hair testing without apprehension.
Our hair follicle testing services in Alto Pass, IL, feature affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times. These factors contribute to excellent value for organizations big and small. Competitive rates ensure financial viability while quick result times mean less downtime in decision-making processes.
Ultimately, our services deliver peace of mind through dependable testing without breaking the budget.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Alto Pass, IL, is unmatched. Fast and reliable results are a cornerstone of this method, with unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use. Unlike urine tests, hair testing minimizes the chance of false positives, ensuring that the outcome truly reflects the individual's history of drug use.
With technologically advanced methods, results are typically delivered quickly, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions promptly.
For employers in Alto Pass, IL, using hair follicle testing promotes compliance and peace of mind by ensuring a drug-free workplace. Implementing this testing format minimizes legal risks associated with drug policy violations while bolstering workplace safety.
Through comprehensive testing, companies can confidently uphold zero-tolerance policies, protecting both organizational integrity and employee well-being.
