Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When acquired near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair only. All other hair types, such as facial and axillary, are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is processed into the laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a quick preliminary test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug use on many samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in the Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods, which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptive positive are washed before confirmation if required. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Clear Lake, IL: In today's world, hair follicle testing shines as a superior method against traditional urine tests. Whether it is the extensive detection period or reduced risk of evasion, hair testing demonstrates greater accuracy in identifying substance use, offering far more reliable assurances than urine-based testing methods.
The ability to detect drug use over an extended period makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice, especially within environments that support zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Clear Lake, IL: A hallmark of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive analysis of an individual’s substance history. This extended window provides employers and officials an in-depth view of an applicant's or employee's substance interactions over time.
The advantage of such prolonged detection significantly benefits decision-makers in understanding repeated patterns of use that might not be observed through shorter timeframe testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Clear Lake, IL: One of the key strengths of hair follicle tests is their resilience to tampering. As the testing samples cannot be easily adulterated, the integrity of the results remains intact, providing untampered and trustworthy outcomes for Clear Lake-based testing processes.
Employers and other entities can rely on this method to deliver honest and credible data, reducing the chance of sample manipulation and ensuring accurate reporting.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Clear Lake, IL: With testing centers sprawled nationwide, accessing essential testing services is both easy and convenient, including here in Clear Lake. Our well-situated centers promise a hassle-free experience for anyone in need of our testing services.
Residents and businesses in Clear Lake benefit from our seamless processes, designed to accommodate every need efficiently and accurately.
Simple, Confidential Process in Clear Lake, IL: The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is designed to be straightforward and private. This protects users' confidentiality while ensuring the ease of navigation through each step in Clear Lake.
Customers can rest assured of the discretion and simplicity involved, making it an approachable solution for many seeking reliable substance testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Clear Lake, IL: Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround time set a benchmark for economical and expedient services, offering remarkable value. Companies of various magnitudes can leverage these advantages, enjoying peace of mind with budget-friendly and rapid testing solutions.
The assurance of swift results paired with attractive pricing structures makes us a preferred choice across industries and individuals alike.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Clear Lake, IL: The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests ensure that substance detection is not only thorough but swift. Renowned for their high accuracy, these tests are instrumental in identifying substance use cases, making them a dependable choice for employers and individuals alike.
The meticulous method of testing, paired with nearly instantaneous results, highlights the reliability of this testing process. The innovative nature of hair testing brings a new level of trust to substance detection efforts across Clear Lake.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Clear Lake, IL: Implementing hair follicle testing in drug-free workplace policies not only helps ensure compliance but also actively reduces legal risks. By maintaining such strategies, employers foster a secure environment that adheres to regulations while promoting workplace safety.
This approach provides reassurance to employers that their operational standards are protected against potential substance-related complications.
