Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. The fibres of hair strands capture biomarkers from drugs and alcohol for a longer duration. When clipped near the scalp, hair can show a drug and alcohol usage history of up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and conveniently transported.
For an effective screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) near the scalp is needed to collect 100mg, the optimal sample. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for this purpose. In instances where scalp hair is not available, a similar volume of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" specifically refers to the hair on the scalp, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory process involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially entered into the lab’s database. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any needed data entry not already provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid check for drug substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for negating drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive at the Screening stage necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For Screening-positive samples, additional hair from the original specimen is used in the Extraction phase. During this step, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
To confirm positive screenings, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is utilized. All positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Hume, IL underscores its superiority over traditional urine tests. Benefits include:
In Hume, IL, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window up to 90 days.
Hume, IL introduces hair testing as a tamper-resistant method, minimizing sample adulteration risks.
With nationwide testing site locator, including Hume, IL, drug testing has never been easier.
Experience a simple and confidential testing process in Hume, IL.
In Hume, IL, enjoy affordable pricing and rapid turnaround for hair testing.
In Hume, IL, hair follicle tests promise fast, accurate results, highlighting their ability to precisely pinpoint substance use.
Employers in Hume, IL gain peace of mind with hair follicle drug testing aligning with drug-free workplace policies.
