Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a valid record of alcohol and drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can effectively provide a detection timeline of up to approximately three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair sample collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and can be easily mailed.
A sample of about 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal amount of body hair can be collected. In this context, "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair; "body hair" denotes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result processing comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample entry into the laboratory system. This step verifies the sample’s secure sealing and proper shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial quick assessment for potential drug abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair in much finer concentrations compared to techniques like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo required washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", this test specifically analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Woodworth, IL. Comparing the strengths of hair testing against traditional urine tests reveals superior detection and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Woodworth, IL. Hair follicle testing can track drug use for as long as 90 days, allowing employers to comprehensively assess substance histories of applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Woodworth, IL. Hair follicle tests minimize sample adulteration risks, delivering unquestionable and reliable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Woodworth, IL. With an array of nationwide centers, our testing services promise easy, quick, and hassle-free access.
Simple, Confidential Process in Woodworth, IL. Experience a straightforward, private procedure for ordering, testing, and receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Woodworth, IL. Our competitive prices and swift result times offer exceptional value and assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Woodworth, IL. Hair follicle drug tests deliver precision and promptness, ensuring high accuracy in identifying substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Woodworth, IL. Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
