Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized today as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the strands during growth. When sourced near the scalp, hair testing can reveal drug and alcohol use over approximately 90 days. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil’s diameter) close to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the hair specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The four core processes in lab processing for a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial registration of a specimen into a laboratory’s workflow. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective measure to eliminate potential drug use in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require additional confirmation testing.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other methods like urine or saliva, hence making hair drug screening one of the more challenging procedures.
Confirmation for any positive findings from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Any presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" frequently used refers to examining the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Murphysboro, IL
Hair follicle testing in Murphysboro offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. It provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, identifying substance use over a longer period. This holistic view ensures greater assurance for employers, courts, and individuals who prioritize comprehensive substance history insights, leading to improved decision-making processes.
Extended Detection Window in Murphysboro, IL
The hair follicle testing method in Murphysboro, IL, can detect drug use for as long as 90 days. This extended detection window gives employers a detailed perspective of an applicant or employee's substance history, equipping them with essential data to make informed hiring decisions while maintaining safety and compliance within their organizations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Murphysboro, IL
Hair follicle tests in Murphysboro offer a tamper-resistant method that significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. The test's integrity ensures that results are both reliable and undeniable, providing a dependable solution for employers seeking to uphold strict drug-free policies with confidence and eliminating concerns regarding result manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Murphysboro, IL
With testing centers conveniently located nationwide and locally in Murphysboro, IL, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and easy. The widespread availability ensures hassle-free testing experiences, allowing individuals and employers to receive timely results without the inconvenience of extensive travel or complicated processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Murphysboro, IL
In Murphysboro, our hair follicle testing features a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, this method addresses privacy concerns, ensuring a smooth and discreet experience. Both individuals and employers can confidently manage their testing needs, knowing their data is handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Murphysboro, IL
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Murphysboro, IL, delivers excellent value. Companies of all sizes can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they're investing wisely in a dependable testing solution. Our efficiency and cost-effectiveness empower businesses to maintain high safety standards without straining their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Murphysboro, IL
In Murphysboro, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable precision and swiftness. This method assures high accuracy in identifying substance use. Unlike other testing approaches, hair analysis swiftly delivers reliable results, offering peace of mind for employers and individuals alike, ensuring the maintenance of a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Murphysboro, IL
Employers in Murphysboro benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety, reducing liability concerns. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they're contributing to a secure working environment, essential for long-term organizational success.