Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lake Catherine, IL

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a historical record by trapping biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected close to the scalp, it can offer a detection timeline for alcohol and drugs spanning up to nearly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, with minimal risk for tampering, and it's easy to send for analysis.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for analysis and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes other variations (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The drug testing lab procedure comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the beginning step where a sample is initially processed into the lab's workflow. This step ensures that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any remaining data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.

Screening acts as a preliminary scan for drug use. Though a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive outcome during Screening require follow-up validation.

Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening move to Extraction, where further hair is gathered from the initial specimen and processed. During this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at lower concentrations than in other formats (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underlining why hair drug testing is one of the more challenging methodologies.

Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days back, contrasting urine tests with shorter detection durations.
• Difficult to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is highly challenging, increasing result accuracy.
• Showcases historical usage: It reflects a drug use pattern over a timeframe, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual hair growth differences may influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing in Lake Catherine, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage over traditional urine tests, primarily due to their longer detection window and higher reliability. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug use, hair tests reveal a broader usage history, enabling employers and legal entities to obtain a more comprehensive overview of the subject's substance use patterns.

For those in Lake Catherine, IL, embracing hair follicle drug tests also ensures superior detection accuracy, making them a trusted solution for zero-tolerance work environments and legal proceedings.
Traditional urine tests often miss traces of substances after a few days. In contrast, hair tests offer lasting evidence, reassuring employers and legal entities seeking thorough scrutiny.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection for Comprehensive Screening in Lake Catherine, IL
Hair follicle testing has the unique advantage of detecting drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows employers in Lake Catherine, IL, to gain a deeper insight into an individual's drug history, facilitating better hiring or retention decisions.
With this method, managers and HR professionals obtain a clear perspective on an applicant's or employee's behavior, promoting informed decision-making processes.

For businesses aiming for rigorous drug-free policies, adopting hair follicle testing offers a broader view than what's possible through limited urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Robust and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Lake Catherine, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, greatly reducing the likelihood of adulterated samples. In Lake Catherine, IL, this testing method provides assurance that the results are genuine and accurate, enhancing the credibility of drug testing initiatives.

Peace of Mind With Hair Follicle Tests
Since the collection process is observed and the hair sample is difficult to alter, hair follicle drug testing offers peace of mind to employers who require reliable testing protocols. These tests minimize the risk and provide dependable outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Lake Catherine, IL Testing Sites
Our extensive network of nationwide testing locations ensures that residents of Lake Catherine, IL have easy access to drug testing services. The availability of these centers significantly reduces waiting times and enhances the convenience of obtaining hair follicle drug tests.

With locations across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees that clients receive quick and hassle-free service, making it an accessible choice for both individuals and companies seeking reliable testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simplicity and Confidentiality in Lake Catherine, IL
The hair follicle drug testing process is both straightforward and respectful of privacy concerns. In Lake Catherine, IL, clients are assured of a seamless experience from ordering to receiving results, thanks to the confidential protocol followed throughout.

Ensuring privacy, the tests are designed with a simple procedure that prioritizes discretion, ensuring that users feel comfortable and confident in the reliability of the process.
This makes Accredited Drug Testing a trusted partner for those seeking unobtrusive yet effective testing solutions.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable and Swift Testing Services in Lake Catherine, IL
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing alongside fast turnaround for hair follicle testing in Lake Catherine, IL. Our cost-effective approach ensures that companies of all sizes receive excellent value without compromising on the quality or speed of service.

With prices designed to accommodate diverse budgets, combined with expeditious processing, our testing services provide peace of mind and financial accessibility, making us the preferred choice of many businesses nationwide.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Unmatched Speed and Precision in Lake Catherine, IL
Hair follicle drug tests not only deliver prompt results but also provide an elevated level of accuracy, especially crucial when accuracy in substance detection is paramount. The quick turnaround combined with the reliability of these tests has made them a preferred choice for those seeking dependable results.

In Lake Catherine, IL, opting for hair follicle testing ensures that you receive results that are both fast and highly accurate. This method excels in identifying a range of substances with minimal delay, assisting individuals and organizations in making informed decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Lake Catherine, IL
Hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policies by ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks. In Lake Catherine, IL, employers benefit from enhanced workplace safety and assurance that their drug testing policies are adhered to faithfully.
Utilizing this method, companies can maintain their drug-free work environments while avoiding potential legal challenges associated with less reliable testing methods.

A Proven Method
Adopting hair follicle testing is a proactive approach towards maintaining compliance and delivering peace of mind to employers, who can be confident in the reliability of their drug screening processes.

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What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

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