Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fairbury, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand, hair provides a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use over time. When taken from close to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for various substances. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (approximately the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional assays, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest measuring the hair with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. By 'head hair', we mean only scalp hair; 'body hair' encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the step where a sample is first processed into the lab’s system, confirming that it’s been sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry if an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t provide it.

Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective and able to rule out drug use for most samples efficiently, any positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in legal settings. Samples that test positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.

If a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial collection for further preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from the hair in concentrations lower than other testing means (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to carry out.

Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing as required before Confirmations. The whole laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can indicate substance use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is quite challenging, ensuring more precise results.
• Offers usage history: Provides a history of drug usage patterns over time, rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to show up in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements such as hair pigment and personal differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fairbury, IL

The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are numerous, particularly regarding detection accuracy and dependability. With the ability to capture an extended period of substance use history, hair testing stands as a superior method that provides a more thorough analysis than traditional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fairbury, IL

Hair follicle testing provides an expansive detection window, capable of identifying substance use over the past 90 days. This ample timeframe offers employers vital insights into an individual's long-term substance behavior, contributing to well-informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fairbury, IL

Hair follicle tests present a robust defense against sample adulteration, assuring reliability and credibility in results. This testing method greatly minimizes the potential for tampering, offering conclusive evidence that supports fair and accurate drug screening practices.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fairbury, IL

Accredited Drug Testing boasts extensive coverage through numerous nationwide centers, ensuring testing services are accessible swiftly and efficiently. This vast network facilitates convenient testing while maintaining high service standards across locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fairbury, IL

The streamlined and discreet procedure for handling hair follicle tests ensures privacy and ease. From order to result, the process is designed to safeguard confidentiality, making it seamless for individuals and companies to organize and undertake tests.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fairbury, IL

Our competitive pricing models coupled with rapid result delivery provide exceptional value. Businesses of varying sizes can capitalize on cost-effective rates without compromising the quality of insights, ensuring financial flexibility and prompt service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fairbury, IL

Hair follicle drug tests are known for their exceptional precision and speed, offering results that can be trusted to accurately reflect substance use. The efficacy of these tests ensures that you receive dependable data expeditiously, helping you make informed decisions promptly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fairbury, IL

Integrating hair follicle testing within workplace policies underscores a commitment to a drug-free environment, safeguarding against legal challenges while promoting safety. This testing method provides employers peace of mind, affirming health and security in the workplace.

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