Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Glendale Heights, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a longer-term usage history of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within the strands of the developing hair. When samples are collected near the scalp, they can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to send.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. When testing for EtG, add-ons, or when tests exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four pivotal stages in a lab's processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is about the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, attaches a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a swift initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, any positive finding at this juncture must be validated to be suitable for legal proceedings. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening indeed need further confirmation.

If a specimen appears presumptively positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. During this phase, drug substances are extracted from hair at remarkably lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is especially challenging to execute.

Verification of any positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing pre-confirmation as deemed necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which bear a shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: It is quite tough to manipulate a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical use insight: It offers a pattern of drug usage over a timeframe, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result consistency issues: Elements such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Glendale Heights, IL, the benefits are clear. Hair follicle tests excel with superior detection accuracy and longer detection periods, offering advantages traditional urine tests cannot match.

Urine tests often miss long-term substance use patterns, whereas hair tests provide comprehensive insights into drug habits over an extended time. This inherent reliability benefits employers and professionals requiring detailed data.

Extended Detection Window

For employers in Glendale Heights, IL, hair follicle testing unveils a longer detection period for drug use, reaching up to 90 days. This extended window affords a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.

Unlike shorter timeframe methods, hair testing empowers employers with comprehensive background checks, igniting confidence in personnel decisions that align with their zero-tolerance policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The hair follicle method in Glendale Heights, IL, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliability. This approach provides steadfast and unquestionable results that urine tests often fail to assure.

Securing accurate results is crucial for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures. Hair testing's resistance to tampering ensures fairness and accuracy in assessing substance use histories.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our nationwide and local testing centers in Glendale Heights, IL, make accessing hair follicle testing convenient and hassle-free. The wide network ensures ease of access to reliable drug testing services.

Clients benefit greatly from the availability of testing facilities, underscoring the importance of convenient access. This extensive network enables swift and straightforward substance testing across locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Glendale Heights, IL, our discreet and straightforward hair follicle testing process ensures confidentiality throughout, from order to result. Privacy and ease are paramount in our testing services.

The clear and simple procedure minimizes stress, making it accessible and non-intrusive for individuals, reinforcing confidence in the confidentiality and reliability of the test.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing, coupled with fast turnaround times in Glendale Heights, IL, positions our hair follicle testing services as both affordable and valuable for businesses of all sizes.

Our quick processing in combination with attractive pricing structures ensures that companies receive excellent value, making high-quality drug testing accessible and cost-effective.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Glendale Heights, IL, offer fast and accurate results, making them a preferred choice for substance detection. The method's precision ensures substance use is detected accurately, providing reliable data on an individual's drug history.

Employers and individuals alike benefit from the speed and accuracy of hair testing, spotlighting its ability to deliver trustworthy results promptly. This precision aids in making informed decisions about substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Glendale Heights, IL, gain tremendous peace of mind from employing hair follicle testing, guaranteeing compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances overall safety.

Hair testing aligns with stringent drug-free policies, safeguarding companies from non-compliance issues while fostering a secure work environment through reliable substance detection.

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