Accredited Drug Testing offers full-service hair follicle drug analysis in Bedford Park, Illinois. If you require testing for drugs or alcohol through hair samples, turn to Accredited Drug Testing’s expertise. With facilities in every city across the U.S., our centers can conduct these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is needed from the scalp, though body hair can also be used. These tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored to specific needs.
In recent times, drug screening methods increasingly favor hair follicle tests. A growing number of employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists are choosing this method over the traditional urine test. Hair follicle tests are utilized by companies with zero-tolerance policies, legal courts, and probationary programs. Their primary advantage is the longer detection timeframe for substance use, which can reach up to 90 days, with samples collected under direct supervision, making cheating exceedingly difficult. Nonetheless, for detecting recent drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the most precise option.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
The assessment of hair samples is recognized as a substantial approach for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers in the strands of the developing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, enhancements, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The main steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This involves confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient strategy to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are initially positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a specimen test positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction step. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is considered more complex to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that initially test positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bedford Park, IL
When comparing hair follicle with traditional urine tests, the former stands out due to enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The ability to uncover long-term substance use offers more comprehensive insights, while the precision of results surpasses that of urine testing. Hair tests provide a more steadfast approach in identifying drug use over extended periods.
Extended Detection Window in Bedford Park, IL
Hair follicle testing shines with its extended detection capability, monitoring drug use for as long as 90 days. This means employers can glean an extensive view of a person's substance use history. It aids businesses in making informed hiring or retention decisions, based on a thorough understanding of an individual’s past substance involvement.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bedford Park, IL
Hair follicle tests inherently minimize tampering risks, promising reliable and indisputable outcomes. This robustness reduces the chances of adulteration, thus maintaining the integrity of results. The test process itself is designed to deter and prevent interference, ensuring the final report reflects true drug use history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bedford Park, IL
Our extensive network of nationwide centers ensures that accessing testing services is both easy and swift. With local options in Bedford Park, IL, individuals and companies experience hassle-free procedures for testing, supported by Accredited Drug Testing’s comprehensive geographical reach and resource-rich facilities across the nation.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bedford Park, IL
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is seamless and confidential. Designed with privacy in mind, the system assures an uncomplicated experience while protecting personal information. This streamlined approach addresses any privacy concerns, facilitating easy participation in the testing process without compromising confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bedford Park, IL
With competitive pricing and swift result delivery, Accredited Drug Testing provides exceptional value and reassurance to companies of every size. Our pricing structure is designed to offer cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality, while quick turnarounds ensure critical drug testing needs are met promptly and effectively.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bedford Park, IL
Employing hair follicle drug tests offers swift and precise outcomes, assuring the highest accuracy in identifying substance use. Their speed is unmatched, and the reliability offered is second to none, standing as a testament to their efficiency in drug testing methodologies. These tests not only provide quick findings but ensure decisions made from these results are well-grounded.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bedford Park, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing guarantees adherence to workplace drug policies, lessening legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that compliance is assured, fostering a safer and more dependable work environment, mitigating any potential legal confrontations arising from drug policy violations.
