Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis emerges as an effective methodology for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields about 100mg, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest verifying the specimen's weight using a jeweler's scale. In instances where scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. The term "head hair" pertains strictly to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for drug use. While a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration than found in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Positive screening confirmations are performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating a presumptive positive are washed pre-confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", they examine the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Clayton, IL stands out due to its superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its reliability in identifying drug use is unmatched, making it a preferred choice for many professionals.
The comprehensive detection abilities of hair testing exceed that of urine tests, revealing drug use over a more extended period, thus offering a definitive picture of an individual's substance habits.
In Clayton, IL, hair follicle testing provides a window into an individual's drug use history over 90 days, making it a highly insightful tool for employers. This extended detection period offers a thorough understanding of a person's substance background.
The ability to detect drug use over such a long interval is a significant advantage, offering a detailed view that helps in evaluating an applicant or employee's past substance consumption patterns.
In Clayton, IL, hair follicle tests significantly minimize the possibility of tampering, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. The nature of these tests makes the adulteration of samples highly unlikely, providing results that can be relied upon.
The robust method of sample collection used in hair testing creates a nearly foolproof system, assuring that results remain untainted and credible, which is critical for accurate substance detection.
Offering testing in Clayton, IL and Nationwide, our locations make access to hair follicle testing easy and convenient. With numerous centers, testing services are quick and accessible without hassle.
The extensive network of testing centers ensures that individuals seeking testing in Clayton, IL, or anywhere in the country, enjoy a streamlined and stress-free experience.
In Clayton, IL, ordering and completing hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Privacy is a key focus, ensuring customers feel secure throughout the process, from testing to receiving results.
The simple process, coupled with confidentiality policies, ensures that individuals have an easy and worry-free experience when obtaining and undergoing tests, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Clayton, IL benefits from competitive pricing and swift turnaround times when it comes to hair follicle testing. Our affordable rates and rapid results delivery are perfect for companies looking to optimize their testing budget.
The combination of budget-friendly pricing and quick processing times ensures exceptional value for organizations, providing confidence and efficiency in drug testing procedures.
Hair follicle testing in Clayton, IL, offers swift and precise results, setting it apart in terms of speed and reliability. Its high accuracy makes it a preferred choice for substance detection, ensuring that findings are dependable and timely.
The efficiency of hair follicle tests means results are not only fast but also thoroughly accurate, identifying substance use with precision. This makes them an invaluable tool for those needing quick yet credible testing solutions.
Employers in Clayton, IL find solace in using hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies. This approach not only aids in legal compliance but also boosts workplace safety, reducing associated risks.
The reassurance provided by hair testing helps employers maintain a secure and compliant work environment. Its effectiveness in drug detection plays a critical role in establishing peace of mind and safety.