Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Knollwood, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended timeline for tracking drug and alcohol biomarkers, captured in the strands of growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, such hair can reveal substance use over roughly a three-month period. The sample collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

By collecting a 1.5-inch piece of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil width) near the scalp, you will obtain 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, it's advised to use 150mg. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a proportionate amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we're solely referencing scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types such as facial and underarm hair.

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In Accessioning, samples are initially processed into the laboratory system. This phase involves checking that the specimen was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legal. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening require additional confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, extra hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at concentrations lower than other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Positive results from the screening are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which are more limited.
• Hard to tamper with: The difficulty in manipulating a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Provides usage patterns: It reveals a timeline of drug use rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs typically need about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually carry a higher cost compared to other methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle itself.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Tests in Knollwood, IL

• Hair tests offer a much longer detection window.
• High accuracy compared to traditional testing.
• Nearly impossible to circumvent, ensuring reliable data.
• Provides a comprehensive assessment over several months.

These benefits make them superior to standard urine tests, ensuring more dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window Benefits in Knollwood, IL

• Detects drug use for up to 90 days.
• Gives insight into long-term substance patterns.
• Provides employers with a thorough view of drug use history.

This extended timeframe allows companies to make better-informed decisions with a broader context of an individual’s drug use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure Testing with Hair Follicle Methods in Knollwood, IL

• Highly resistant to tampering.
• Ensures authenticity of samples.
• Minimizes risk of adulteration.

This results in higher reliability and trust in the test outcomes, which is crucial for employers and legal authorities.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations in Knollwood, IL

• Nationwide network of testing centers.
• Local access to hassle-free services.
• Ensures swift appointment scheduling.

This extensive coverage facilitates easy and stress-free testing processes, providing flexibility and convenience to all clients.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Private Testing Process in Knollwood, IL

• Simple steps from ordering to results.
• Confidential handling of personal information.
• Streamlined procedures ensure user-friendliness.

This user-friendly approach assures comfort and privacy, addressing concerns and enhancing the testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive Pricing and Swift Results in Knollwood, IL

• Affordable testing packages for all sizes.
• Rapid turnaround times for quick insights.
• Excellent value without compromising quality.

These attributes provide businesses and individuals with cost-effective, rapid solutions without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Knollwood, IL, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their remarkable accuracy and speed. Their ability to identify substance use with high precision surpasses more traditional testing methods. This accelerated processing time delivers rapid results, making hair testing an ideal choice for both employers and individuals requiring reliable outcomes.

• Hair tests offer swift and trustworthy results.
• High-level precision ensures dependable findings.
• Rapid processing aids prompt decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Knollwood, IL

• Retain peace of mind with a drug-free workplace.
• Reduces legal risks through compliance.
• Boosts workplace safety and security.

By implementing hair testing, companies mitigate risks associated with drug use, ensuring a safer, more compliant work environment.

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