Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lake Bluff, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair evaluations have emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands during growth. When procured near the scalp, it can offer a detection span of around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, not easily altered, and convenient for transportation.

A sample of a 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equal portion of body hair may be taken. "Head hair" references scalp hair only, while "body hair" denotes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for obtaining a drug test result entails four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is concerned with the initial integration of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This encompasses verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening carries out an initial, efficient assessment for substance misuse. Though Screening is a low-cost option to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive finding necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.

Confirmation of positive results from screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the standards prescribed by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which require a shorter window.
• Challenging to manipulate: It's highly challenging to evade detection with a hair test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Presents historical patterns: It unveils drug usage trends over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally, hair tests cost more than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Bluff, IL

• Hair testing provides longer detection windows compared to urine tests, capturing usage over three months.
• The reliability of hair tests makes them harder to fake, offering genuine results employers trust.
• For thorough substance use assessment, hair testing is superior, detecting even sporadic usage.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lake Bluff, IL

• Hair follicle tests offer an expansive timeframe, detecting drug use as far back as 90 days.
• Employers benefit from comprehensive substance history insights on applicants and employees.
• This extended window surpasses the reach of standard tests, making hair testing invaluable.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Bluff, IL

• Hair tests minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring result fidelity.
• With an observed collection process, the integrity of the sample is well-guarded.
• This methodology provides peace of mind with its resistant nature to adulteration.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lake Bluff, IL

• Our widespread centers offer swift and straightforward access to testing services.
• With local and nationwide sites, customers enjoy easy appointment scheduling.
• Testing initiates smoothly, thanks to our extensive, strategically located network.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Bluff, IL

• Ordering tests is a streamlined and secure process, safeguarding your privacy.
• Collecting samples is effortless and confidential, promoting user comfort.
• Receiving results maintains discretion, ensuring you remain informed safely.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Bluff, IL

• Our competitive rates affirm the value of our testing for businesses of all sizes.
• Fast processing times guarantee quick results, keeping projects on schedule.
• Experience quality testing with affordability, suiting varying company budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Bluff, IL

• The precision of hair follicle drug tests is renowned for identifying substances reliably.
• Results are delivered quickly, ensuring that testing is not just accurate but also timely.
• Count on these tests to pinpoint drug use with unmatched accuracy, vital for critical scenarios.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Bluff, IL

• Enforcing drug-free policies becomes manageable with regular hair testing.
• Legal risks are mitigated by incorporating trusted testing practices into workplace policies.
• Employers experience less worry knowing reliable, policy-compliant tests are in use.

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