Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The assessment of hair samples has emerged as a formidable method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair acts as a chronological record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered from near the scalp area, hair can offer a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion of close to 200 strands of hair (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be acquired, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. When addressing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test output include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s processing system. This step involves validating that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that isn’t included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary examination for commonly abused drugs. Although Screening is an economical way to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be valid in legal scenarios. Any samples presumed to be positive in Screening certainly require additional confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug analysis is one of the hardest approaches to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine tests in South Chicago Heights, IL? The answer lies in superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer a far more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance usage history, making it an excellent choice for discerning employers.
Most notably, hair follicle testing shines with its prolonged detection window, capturing drug use over 90 days. In South Chicago Heights, IL, employers find this feature indispensable for understanding comprehensive substance use histories of potential or current employees.
In South Chicago Heights, IL, hair follicle drug tests are notorious for their resistance to tampering. By minimizing the possibility of sample adulteration, these tests assure trustworthy and irrefutable results, boosting confidence in the testing process.
South Chicago Heights, IL residents benefit from the convenience of our national and local testing venues. With easy and hassle-free access to drug testing centers, the process becomes seamless and stress-free for individuals and employers alike.
In South Chicago Heights, IL, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering to results, it ensures confidentiality and ease, addressing any concerns about privacy or usability.
Competitive pricing structures in South Chicago Heights, IL, alongside quick result turnaround times, make hair follicle testing not only affordable but also a strategic investment for companies of all sizes seeking value and reassurance.
In South Chicago Heights, IL, the precision of hair follicle tests is unparalleled. Offering rapid analysis, these tests stand out for their high accuracy in identifying substance use. For individuals and employers seeking dependable outcomes, hair testing provides unparalleled reliability.
Employers in South Chicago Heights, IL gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, these tests reduce legal risks and foster a safer, more productive environment.
