Based in Lakemoor, Illinois, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing. Specializing in hair tests for both drugs and alcohol, we facilitate tests in numerous cities across the nation. Generally, testing requires 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or another body part. Our analyses extend to drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other specialized hair testing options.
Hair follicle drug testing has gained increased popularity for detecting substance use. More employers, courts, and substance abuse experts are opting for hair tests instead of traditional urine tests. This method is favored among organizations with zero-tolerance policies as it provides a longer detection window—up to 90 days—and is collected under supervised conditions, making tampering virtually impossible. Nonetheless, urine tests remain more accurate for recent drug use, particularly within a 5-day timeframe.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair testing is increasingly recognized for its efficacy in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month usage period for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, it's fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
An ideal screening sample consists of a 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg, perfect for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, or if panels exceed 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, collect an equivalent amount of body hair. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing procedure for drug test results is comprised of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the preliminary handling of a specimen within a lab’s system. It entails ensuring the specimen's seal and shipment integrity, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although it’s a cost-effective means of excluding drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive result on a screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing notably challenging to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are preliminarily positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Lakemoor, IL
Choosing a hair follicle test over traditional urine samples offers unmatched benefits in accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can detect drug use within a short window, hair follicle testing provides a broader scope. This means employers and institutions can depend on their results for sustained substance monitoring, ensuring their environments remain drug-free.
Prolonged Detection Timeframe in Lakemoor, IL
Hair follicle tests offer an extended window of detection, spanning up to 90 days. For employers in Lakemoor, this means a detailed look into an individual’s substance history, aiding in making informed decisions. This extended period provides a more comprehensive picture than other methods, allowing for thorough assessments.
Securing Sample Integrity in Lakemoor, IL
The hair follicle testing method in Lakemoor significantly diminishes the possibility of tampering with samples. The inherent nature of the test ensures that results remain uncontaminated and trustworthy. This makes hair follicle tests an ideal choice for employers and organizations who prioritize accuracy and dependability in their substance monitoring processes.
Convenience at Your Fingertips in Lakemoor, IL
Our network of nationwide testing centers includes convenient locations in Lakemoor, enhancing accessibility to our hair follicle testing services. This vast reach ensures that no matter where you are, you have a center close by, facilitating easy and efficient drug testing services for both employers and individuals.
Confidential and Easy Process in Lakemoor, IL
With a streamlined process, clients in Lakemoor can expect simplicity and confidentiality when ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results. Our method ensures that privacy concerns are addressed, offering an easy user experience from start to finish, enhancing client satisfaction and trust.
Cost-Effective and Quick Solutions in Lakemoor, IL
Our testing services in Lakemoor are designed to be budget-friendly while delivering swift results. The competitive pricing, paired with fast turnaround times, provides exceptional value, making it accessible for companies of all sizes to implement comprehensive drug testing without breaking the bank.
Precision and Speed in Lakemoor, IL
Hair follicle drug testing in Lakemoor offers a fast, accurate, and reliable means of identifying substance use. Its precision is unmatched, making it a preferred method for detecting recent and long-standing drug issues. The rapid processing ensures that results are both timely and dependable, significantly boosting the confidence of those relying on these evaluations for critical decisions.
Ensure Compliance and Safety in Lakemoor, IL
For employers in Lakemoor, employing hair follicle testing methods guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal exposure and promotes a safe work environment. By committing to this testing approach, companies can foster workplace peace of mind, knowing they are protected against legal and health risks.