Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair acts as a record keeper of drugs and alcohol over the long term by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers as the hair strand develops. When clipped near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the weight of the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four major phases in the testing process for a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the first stage of entering a sample into a lab’s system. This process involves verifying the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is an economical means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, samples that get a positive result in Screening need follow-up confirmation to stand legally. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation step.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and processed for Extraction. This phase allows drugs to be isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleaning process before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Salem, IL
The advantages of hair testing are plentiful when compared to urine tests. Hair analysis offers a broader detection window and captures substance use indicators over a longer period. This reliable accuracy gives employers confidence, knowing they take a more thorough approach in drug screening, avoiding the limitations common in traditional urine testing methods.
Extended Detection Window in West Salem, IL
Hair follicle tests provide insights into drug usage up to 90 days before testing, a far more extensive scope than urine tests. For employers, this broader view is crucial in evaluating a potential hire's substance use history, thus ensuring a well-informed decision-making process that significantly influences workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Salem, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a highly tamper-resistant alternative for trustworthy analysis. Due to its advanced technique, this method prevents the chances of sample manipulation, reassuring testers and ensuring dependable results. This robustness is vital for maintaining fairness and accuracy in testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Salem, IL
The convenience of our extensive testing network ensures easy accessibility across the nation. In West Salem, our local facilities provide quick access to these services, ensuring testing is an easy and seamless process, reflecting our commitment to accessible and efficient assessments throughout.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Salem, IL
Our hair follicle testing ensures simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to obtaining results, the process is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Users enjoy ease of use without compromising on personal or professional data confidentiality, promoting a stress-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Salem, IL
We offer cost-effective price models and swift turnaround for test results. Our approach gives businesses of various sizes substantial savings while ensuring expeditious responses. This balance of affordability and efficiency puts us ahead in terms of value and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Salem, IL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver prompt and precise results. Testees benefit from highly accurate detections of drug use as the method targets long-term consumption patterns. With the increasing need for speed and precision in drug tests, hair follicle assessments easily fit these requirements at testing locations in West Salem.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Salem, IL
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers mitigate legal risks associated with drug use while fostering a safer workplace. This method complies with drug-free workplace policies, thus enhancing overall security and trust, leading to both regulatory compliance and employer satisfaction.
