Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands as hair grows, it reveals a comprehensive timeline of substance use. When the hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide an observation period of up to 90 days for alcohol and similar substances. Collecting hair is easy, it's not easy to tamper with, and is simple to transport.
Taking a 1.5-inch sample, roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial screenings and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional assessments, or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a corresponding volume of body hair can be used. By 'head hair', we mean only scalp hair. 'Body hair' is any other kind of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory testing process involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is logged into a lab’s systems. This includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment are intact, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any further data entry that an electronic custody system might not cover.
Screening offers a preliminary analysis for potential drugs. While cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives from Screening must undergo a further confirmation step.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. This phase extracts drugs from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to urine or oral fluid analyses, making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmatory testing of any positive screen is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The comprehensive review of the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: This test is often termed a "hair follicle test", but it actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine testing in Patterson, IL, the former stands out due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can detect drug use over longer periods, reducing the opportunity for cheaters and yielding more consistent results. The sophisticated nature of hair testing offers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Patterson, IL, sets it apart from other drug testing methods, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This long-term insight allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's substance patterns. Such extensive detection capability provides a more accurate assessment of an individual's suitability for a job or compliance with company policies.
Hair follicle testing in Patterson, IL, significantly diminishes the possibility of sample tampering, delivering secure and reliable results. The test's inherent design makes it nearly impossible to adulterate or substitute samples, ensuring that the outcomes are authentic and trustworthy. This tamper-resistant approach instills confidence in employers and individuals alike, promoting an environment of fairness and accuracy.
With numerous testing facilities nationwide, including local centers in Patterson, IL, accessing hair follicle drug testing services is both simple and convenient. Accredited Drug Testing offers an expansive network that allows for swift and hassle-free testing experiences, ensuring that needs are met promptly, regardless of location. This widespread availability enhances accessibility and flexibility for all clients.
The straightforward and confidential process for ordering hair follicle tests in Patterson, IL, addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. Accredited Drug Testing guides you through the simple steps, from scheduling your test to receiving results efficiently. This seamless approach reassures clients of their confidentiality, making the testing experience stress-free and reassuring.
Accredited Drug Testing in Patterson, IL, provides excellent value with competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, the affordable pricing structure ensures cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or speed. This blend of affordability and efficiency makes hair follicle testing accessible and beneficial for companies of all sizes.
In Patterson, IL, hair follicle drug testing provides fast and accurate results, boasting high-level precision in identifying substance use. The streamlined process ensures that results are delivered promptly, making it an ideal choice for those needing quick and reliable drug testing solutions. The unmatched accuracy of hair follicle tests helps individuals and organizations make well-informed decisions based on trustworthy data.
For employers in Patterson, IL, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free mandates, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. Implementing such testing mechanisms provides peace of mind, knowing that employees are held to the highest standards of safety and ethics. This rigorous approach helps create a secure and productive working environment.
