Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a longer-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. If cut near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, it's advised to use 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When "head hair" is mentioned, it specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, involving the integration of a sample into a lab's system by verifying the sample's sealed and shipped status, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid drug of abuse detection. While this is a cost-effective means of ruling out drug use for most samples, any positive results must be confirmed for courtroom admissibility. Samples that appear positive at the Screening stage must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positively in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage, where drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often known as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why is hair follicle testing more effective than traditional urine tests in Table Grove, IL? Hair testing goes beyond the limits of urine testing, offering a higher detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more extended detection period, capturing substance use over months instead of days, ensuring more robust results.
In Table Grove, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing makes it invaluable. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing can reveal substance use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive perspective to employers regarding an individual's substance history, thereby aiding in more informed decision-making processes.
The sophistication of hair follicle tests in Table Grove, IL, provides a tamper-resistant testing method. Such tests minimize the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results remain reliable and credible. This enhances the test's dependability, making it virtually impossible to cheat and guaranteeing the authenticity of the results.
At Accredited Drug Testing, we offer convenient nationwide testing locations, including services in Table Grove, IL. Our widespread network ensures anyone can easily access fast and reliable testing services, providing hassle-free experience at our numerous centers.
In Table Grove, IL, our processes guarantee a simple, confidential experience. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use, ensuring a smooth and worry-free testing experience for all clients.
Our offerings in Table Grove, IL stand out for their affordable pricing and quick turnaround. Competitive pricing structures meet quick and efficient service delivery, ensuring excellent value and peace of mind for organizations of all sizes seeking reliable testing solutions.
In Table Grove, IL, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method offers superior precision in detecting substances, ensuring that the results are trustworthy for both employers and individuals seeking testing solutions. The speed of results delivery enhances its reliability, making it a preferred choice.
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers in Table Grove, IL, by enforcing drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering a reliable way to enforce compliance and ensure a safer, more productive work environment.
