Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's beneficial to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, it is specifically scalp hair. Body hair denotes any other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This encompasses checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in court. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample has a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lockport, IL
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests not only provide superior detection accuracy but also boast a longer detection window, enhancing reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Lockport, IL
An outstanding feature of hair follicle testing is its capability to detect drug use over an extended timeline of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lockport, IL
Hair follicle tests drastically reduce the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures the collection of reliable, conclusive results that are challenging to undermine.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lockport, IL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures easy and convenient access to testing services, minimizing hassles for individuals and organizations alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lockport, IL
Our hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, catering to privacy concerns while ensuring a seamless user experience from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lockport, IL
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle tests provide exceptional value, catering to the needs of businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lockport, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision, offering reliable detection of substance use. With the capability to provide accurate results quickly, they stand out as a preferred method for employers and authorities.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lockport, IL
Employers opting for hair follicle testing bolster their compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety within the work environment.
