Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows, hair provides an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol use. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. Measurements are best taken using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps to process a drug test result encompass four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This stage includes confirming the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to identify drug absence in most samples, a positive outcome must be validated for court credibility. All samples that show preliminary positivity during Screening demand further confirmation.
If Screening suggests positivity, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures are employed to confirm any positive Screening results. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The total laboratory process, beginning with Accessioning and concluding with Confirmation, is evaluated in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While colloquially termed "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests in Wilmette, IL, due to its enhanced detection capabilities and reliability. Hair follicle tests can capture a larger window of drug use history, offering a more comprehensive overview of substance usage, making it almost impossible to evade detection. In comparative terms, hair testing offers superior insights into an individual's habits, crucial for employers and professionals overseeing drug-free environments.
Offering a much extended detection window in Wilmette, IL, hair follicle testing spans up to 90 days, detecting substance use over an extended period. This feature grants employers invaluable insights into an individual's drug history, surpassing the limitations of shorter detection methods. It provides a more comprehensive understanding of the subject's interaction with substances, aiding better-informed decisions on employment or supervision scenarios.
Utilizing a tamper-resistant testing method in Wilmette, IL, hair follicle tests markedly diminish the potential for sample adulteration. The integrity of these tests ensures results remain trustable and undeniable, fortifying their status as a dependable choice among testing methodologies. Their sample collection process minimizes the possibility of interference, thereby strengthening confidence in outcomes.
Our testing facilities offer nationwide convenience, including local options in Wilmette, IL, ensuring seamless access to testing services. With centers scattered across major cities, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the logistical aspect, allowing straightforward, hassle-free testing processes. Employers and individuals alike benefit from a quick, smooth experience with minimal interruptions to daily operations.
The process in Wilmette, IL, remains simple and private, assuring participants of a discreet method from ordering to result acquisition.
Accredited Drug Testing in Wilmette, IL, offers budget-friendly options complemented by fast turnaround times, guaranteeing substantial value and peace of mind for organizations, big or small. Quick result processing combined with competitive pricing positions our services as premium choice without incurring a significant cost, ensuring economic viability alongside quality testing solutions.
In Wilmette, IL, hair follicle drug tests deliver fast, precise, and trustworthy results, making them a sought-after solution for substance detection.
In Wilmette, IL, hair follicle testing offers employers assurance and compliance with workplace drug-free mandates. These tests significantly reduce legal exposure and advance workplace safety by accurately monitoring drug use.
