Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term biomarker evidence of alcohol and drug use within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of approximately 200 strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into a lab’s system, which includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires further confirmation to be legally admissible. All samples that are suspected positives in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample appears presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the primary sample to prepare for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are suspected positives are cleaned before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Crab Orchard, IL, the benefits of hair testing over urine tests are evident. Hair tests offer a longer detection period and are more difficult to falsify. Unlike urine tests, hair testing delivers superior detection accuracy and reliability for chronic substance use, providing employers with a comprehensive history of an individual's drug use.
Extended Detection Window
In Crab Orchard, IL, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period, up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain thorough insights into an applicant or employee’s substance history, offering a wider window for assessing long-term drug use patterns compared to other methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable and indubitable results in Crab Orchard, IL. The collection process is observed and significantly reduces the likelihood of adulteration, providing peace of mind for employers concerned about the integrity of test samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Our wide network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Crab Orchard, IL, guarantees easy and hassle-free access to necessary testing services. This convenience ensures quick service provision across numerous locations, suiting both local needs and broader organizational requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process
Accredited Drug Testing offers a straightforward and confidential process in Crab Orchard, IL, for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results. This streamlined approach addresses any privacy concerns and enhances user experience, ensuring that testing is simple and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Crab Orchard, IL, we provide competitive pricing and fast processing times for hair follicle testing. Our efficient service structure ensures an excellent balance between cost and speed, offering companies of any size great value without compromising on the quality or promptness of results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Hair follicle drug tests provide precise and swift outcomes, making them highly reliable for detecting substance consumption in Crab Orchard, IL. Their accuracy surpasses traditional methods, ensuring that results are trustworthy and immediate, thus aligning with the needs of employers requiring quick and accurate drug testing solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Crab Orchard, IL can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and strengthens workplace safety, providing employers with the assurance that drug use policies are being adhered to effectively.
