Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is hard, and shipping is conveniently managed.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. In this context, head hair refers only to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other forms of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing drug test outcomes in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the early stage of processing a sample within a lab's system. This phase entails confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening is a preliminary and swift method to check for drug misuse. While Screening effectively rules out drug use in most samples due to its cost-effectiveness, a positive result during screening must be verified for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or saliva), presenting hair drug testing as a challenging approach to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as required. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often described as "hair follicle tests", this analysis examines the hair strand itself and not the follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Makanda, IL
In Makanda, IL, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over more traditional urine tests. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, offering results that are harder to tamper with. The extended detection window of hair testing paints a broader picture of an individual's substance use history, making it a valuable tool for employers and legal institutions.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests eliminate concerns of sample adulteration and provide consistent results. These tests enhance the efficacy of drug screening processes, providing an unbeatable method for acquiring accurate substance use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Makanda, IL
The hair follicle test is exceptionally effective for its prolonged detection window, which covers up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe offers employers in Makanda, IL, deep insights into an individual's substance use habits, assisting them in making well-informed decisions. It provides a more in-depth perspective of an applicant or employee's substance history, uncaptured by shorter-window tests.
Such extended detection allows for a comprehensive evaluation of substance use patterns, proving invaluable for employers, legal entities, and rehabilitation efforts alike. This method ensures a holistic approach to assessing long-term substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Makanda, IL
This testing method in Makanda, IL, offers significant protection against sample tampering or adulteration. Hair follicle tests provide reliable and indisputable outcomes, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process. As a tamper-resistant solution, it gives peace of mind to employers and legal entities seeking trusted and defendable substance use assessments.
The function of the hair test directly thwarts numerous means of sample manipulation commonly associated with other testing types. This trustworthiness makes it a preferred choice for sensitive and critical evaluations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Makanda, IL
Our testing centers are strategically positioned across the nation, including Makanda, IL, to ensure that accessing testing services is swift and hassle-free. This nationwide network supports efficient service delivery, facilitating quick access to testing for clients across various locations.
Local and nationwide centers make testing both accessible and straightforward, relieving clients from tedious logistical concerns and emphasizing a smooth and seamless experience throughout the process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Makanda, IL
Engaging in hair follicle drug testing in Makanda, IL, is a straightforward process that emphasizes client privacy and ease. From ordering details to taking the test and receiving the results, utmost confidentiality is maintained throughout. This simple method ensures user-friendly access while fully respecting privacy concerns, alleviating any potential hesitations clients might face.
The procedural simplicity of these tests makes them approachable and trusted, building confidence through a seamless and secure testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Makanda, IL
Our competitive pricing structures in Makanda, IL, guarantee that hair follicle drug testing remains accessible to companies of all sizes. Paired with swift turnaround times, these pricing options offer excellent value and peace of mind to businesses, ensuring they receive prompt service without financial strain.
The cost-effective packages make thorough and efficient testing available for any budget, allowing all businesses to benefit from this reliable testing approach, enhancing both their safety and operational strategies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Makanda, IL
The precision and speed offered by hair follicle drug tests in Makanda, IL, are unparalleled. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and dependable. Clients can trust in the reliability of these tests to deliver prompt and precise outcomes, aiding in maintaining a drug-free environment.
With swift turnaround times and detailed reporting, hair follicle drug testing provides unmatched reliability. This testing method expertly distinguishes itself from others by ensuring comprehensive detection, thus serving as a dependable tool in upholding safety and compliance in various settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Makanda, IL
Ensuring workplace compliance with drug-free policy standards is vastly achievable with hair follicle testing in Makanda, IL. This method offers employers assurance in adherence to regulations, minimizing legal exposure and enhancing safety. It aids in following policy compliance effortlessly, reducing operational risks tied to drug use violations in the workplace.
By embracing hair testing, employers can confidently display a commitment to a safe and secure environment, effectively addressing any drug use concerns and promoting workplace integrity.