Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination has become acknowledged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by encasing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand's growth. Collecting hair close to the scalp offers up to roughly a 3-month range for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is recommended. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves confirmation that the sample was sealed and dispatched properly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary rapid assessment for illegal drugs. Although Screening provides a cost-effective means to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for admissibility in legal contexts. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate method to execute.
Validation of a positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination is of the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Curran, IL, hair follicle testing stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. While urine tests detect recent substance use effectively, hair tests offer a broader insight by tracing drug usage history, enhancing their appeal for comprehensive evaluations.
In Curran, IL, hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage with its ability to detect drug use over a period extending up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers employers an insightful look into an individual's substance use history, far beyond what urine tests can reveal.
Hair follicle tests in Curran, IL, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. This reliability assures trustworthy results, minimizing doubts about their authenticity and bolstering confidence in their outcomes.
In Curran, IL, the convenience of nationwide testing centers is unmatched, providing quick and hassle-free access to services. This network of locations simplifies the testing process, ensuring that individuals can easily reach a center, no matter where they are situated.
Curran, IL, benefits from a straightforward and confidential hair testing process. Concerns about privacy are addressed with a secure method of ordering, testing, and receiving results, ensuring a seamless experience for all individuals involved.
In Curran, IL, the combination of affordable pricing and fast turnaround makes hair follicle testing an attractive option. Companies of various sizes can appreciate the value offered, receiving dependable results swiftly without compromising budget constraints.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Curran, IL, set them apart, ensuring accurate substance detection. With a focus on delivering fast and dependable results, these tests minimize any false interpretations, making them a preferred option for in-depth drug analysis.
Employers in Curran, IL, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and promote a safer working environment, reinforcing the importance of adhering to zero-tolerance substance use standards.