Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by integrating biomarkers into the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. All samples that test positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation follows review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Easton, IL outshines urine testing by providing superior detection accuracy. It delivers in-depth insights into substance use that urine tests might miss.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair analysis offers greater reliability. Employers benefit from the enhanced detection range and dependability that hair tests provide, ensuring thorough screenings.
In Easton, IL, hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to identify drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. Employers have a broad view of substance activity.
Hair tests help Easton, IL businesses by covering longer detection spans. Unlike shorter-term tests, they allow for a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance history.
With tamper-resistant capabilities, hair follicle testing in Easton, IL ensures sample integrity. Results remain credible and untainted by external factors.
Hair tests minimize the chances of adulteration, providing Easton, IL stakeholders with trustworthy data. Their robustness makes them a preferred choice for collecting honest insights.
Offering convenience with nationwide centers, testing in Easton, IL is quick and hassle-free. Whether local or non-local, accessing services is straightforward.
In Easton, IL, the availability of numerous testing locations enables straightforward appointment setups, simplifying the testing process for all stakeholders involved.
The simplicity and confidentiality of the testing process in Easton, IL address privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to results delivery, expectations are met with ease.
Emphasizing confidential handling, the procedure in Easton, IL frames itself around user-friendly interfaces, ensuring a straightforward testing experience for all involved.
Competitiveness in pricing coupled with quick turnaround times makes drug testing in Easton, IL appealing. These factors deliver excellent value to companies.
Easton, IL businesses benefit from affordable testing solutions that don't skimp on speed. Practical pricing structures cater to enterprises of all sizes, ensuring swift results.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Easton, IL, make them a popular choice for quick detection. These tests offer a precise assessment of substance use, delivering reliable results rapidly.
Boasting high detection accuracy, hair follicle tests cut through ambiguity, so employers or concerned parties in Easton, IL can depend on swift and precise findings.
Utilizing hair follicle tests, employers in Easton, IL adhere to drug-free policies and enhance workplace safety. This method reduces legal risks prudently.
In Easton, IL, ensuring peace of mind for employers is crucial. Hair tests establish compliance with stringent policies, supporting secure hiring and operation protocols.