Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair strands serve as a long-term record of alcohol and drug exposure by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When hair is clipped near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month analysis period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to acquire, relatively challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, an optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to determine the specimen's weight with a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's introduction into the lab's framework. This step involves confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any information not captured by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment of substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical means of excluding drug use for most samples, a positive finding must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that test positive at Screening require additional verification.
Should a sample yield a positive indication in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive Screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to Confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny as per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests," the assessment evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Wellington, IL, hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over urine testing. Hair analysis detects drug use over a longer duration, offering superior insights into a person's substance consumption. Unlike urine tests, which can be cheated or adulterated, hair tests provide reliable and accurate results, establishing them as a preferred choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Employers in Wellington, IL, value the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. This method can identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of an individual's substance history. Hair tests serve as a vigilant screening tool, enabling companies to make informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
The hair follicle testing process in Wellington, IL, greatly reduces the chance of sample tampering. Due to the structure of the hair sample, attempts to adulterate or substitute it are virtually impossible. This robustness ensures that results are trustworthy and unquestionable.
Our testing services are conveniently available nationwide, including Wellington, IL. Our expansive network ensures that individuals and employers can access drug testing services quickly and hassle-free, whether at local centers or across the country, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
In Wellington, IL, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collection and obtaining results, each step is designed to uphold privacy and ease for users, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
In Wellington, IL, our hair follicle testing services shine with their affordable pricing and fast turnaround. These advantages make our services accessible to companies of all sizes, offering excellent value while ensuring timely results for peace of mind.
In Wellington, IL, the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. They deliver fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes, thanks to their ability to precisely identify substance use. This high level of accuracy stems from the nature of hair samples, making them practically immune to tampering and ensuring credible test results.
For employers in Wellington, IL, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method minimizes legal risks and enhances safety within the work environment by maintaining a vigilant stance on substance use.
