Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair effectively captures a long-term record of alcohol and substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When retrieved near the scalp, hair can reveal a timeframe of up to three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. Should the scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This stage verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid analysis for substances of abuse. While it offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in the majority of specimens, any positive result demands confirmation to be legally valid. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples indicated as presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accentuating why hair drug analysis is notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Beats Urine Testing in Lima, IL surrounds the idea that hair tests offer a wider detection scope in comparison to traditional urine tests. With superior reliability, hair testing uncovers substance history beyond the limitations of urine tests, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal professionals alike.
Extended Detection Window in Lima, IL provides a comprehensive substance usage history. Allowing employers to trace drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle testing supplies a thorough perspective on an individual's behavior, far surpassing the limited frame of alternative testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Method in Lima, IL minimizes the risk associated with sample adulteration. Hair follicle testing ensures that the collected samples remain reliable and indisputable, offering trustworthy results indispensable for employers and legal entities demanding integrity.
Convenient Testing Locations in Lima, IL provide rapid and accessible services. Nationwide and local centers ensure that testing is straightforward and streamlined, removing stress and ensuring swift service for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple and Confidential in Lima, IL entails a seamless process from order to results, maintaining privacy throughout. This user-friendly approach eases concerns regarding confidentiality, making the process painless and discreet for users.
Affordable Pricing and fast turnaround services in Lima, IL emphasize competitive pricing models alongside quick results. Catering to companies of all sizes, these offerings deliver undeniable value, complete with the assurance of efficient processing times.
Fast and Precise Results in Lima, IL highlight the effectiveness of hair follicle drug tests. Ensuring high accuracy, these tests detect substance use efficiently, providing fast turnaround times without sacrificing precision. This method guarantees reliable results, beneficial for employers monitoring substance policies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lima, IL underscore the role of hair follicle testing in maintaining a drug-free workplace. By using this method, companies mitigate legal risks, enhance compliance, and foster a safer working environment for all employees.