Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The process of hair testing is regarded as an effective approach for identifying the usage of alcohol and drugs. Hair captures biomarkers in the strands as it grows, offering a long-term history of use. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal drug or alcohol use over approximately a three-month period. Hair samples are easy to acquire, tough to compromise, and simple to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands of hair (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the recommended quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equal mass of body hair might be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "Body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the sample’s initial intake into a lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample was securely sealed and correctly sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry that is absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial analysis for the presence of drugs of abuse. While it is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs validation to be lawful in court. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is one reason hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used for confirming any positive screening result. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine testing in Gurnee, IL? The benefits are clear. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, crucial for zero-tolerance environments. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can uncover drug use over an extended period, offering unmatched insight into an individual's substance use history, making it the preferred choice for employers and legal professionals.
Gurnee, IL employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This method provides comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history, allowing employers to make more informed hiring and management decisions. The longer detection period gives a fuller picture of an applicant or employee’s past drug usage.
In Gurnee, IL, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant option for drug screening. Unlike urine tests, which can be susceptible to sample manipulation, hair tests are significantly harder to alter. This reliability ensures the integrity of results, providing employers and legal entities with trustworthy data. The method’s robustness assures that outcomes are free of fraudulent interference.
With convenient location options, Gurnee, IL residents can access our nationwide testing centers seamlessly. This accessibility ensures that individuals and organizations experience a hassle-free and prompt testing process. Local facilities enhance the ease of obtaining testing services, allowing quick and straightforward access without extended travel or delays.
In Gurnee, IL, our hair follicle testing upholds a simple and confidential process. From ordering, undergoing the test, to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease. Clear instructions and discreet handling assure individuals that their personal data is safeguarded, making the testing experience stress-free and user-friendly.
Our Gurnee, IL clients enjoy competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Balancing cost and quality, we ensure that companies of all sizes receive excellent value. Fast results mean decisions can be made without delay, providing affordable solutions alongside the assurance and reliability that businesses require.
In Gurnee, IL, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed. These tests offer unmatched accuracy compared to other testing methods, ensuring that results are reliable and credible. The process is both swift and efficient, allowing individuals and organizations to obtain timely insights into substance use, thereby facilitating informed decision-making.
By implementing hair follicle testing, Gurnee, IL employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, ensuring legal protection and a safer working environment. This testing method not only minimizes risks but also offers peace of mind by reinforcing organizational standards. Employers achieve both compliance and a responsible workplace, promoting safety and efficiency.
