Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lakewood, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a potent means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional assessments, and/or those above 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg. It is suggested to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" denotes only scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The key steps in the lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning handles the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening consists of an initial rapid examination for illicit substances. Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal validity. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging.

Confirmation of any positive screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is thoroughly reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug testing can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a more limited detection period.
• Resistance to evasion: Hair drug tests are notably hard to bypass, enhancing accuracy.
• Tracks usage history: It outlines a drug usage trend over time, unlike tests that show only recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent usage: Drugs typically take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests have higher costs compared to other testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lakewood, IL, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior choice over traditional urine testing. Hair tests provide more accurate detection with a longer observation period, making it a more reliable method. Employers and courts appreciate the adeptness of hair testing for zero-tolerance policies, as it offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history.

Unlike standard urine tests, which may only detect recent usage, hair follicle tests unveil patterns of drug consumption over several months. This extended detection period is crucial for making informed decisions. Hair testing remains uncontestable and nearly impossible to evade, reinforcing its superiority in various domains.

Extended Detection Window

In Lakewood, IL, hair follicle testing is favored for its extended detection window. Able to reflect drug use up to 90 days prior, this method provides a detailed insight into one's substance history. Employers benefit from this far-reaching analysis, as it assists in evaluating the long-term drug use habits of employees or candidates.

This comprehensive detection capability is crucial for high-stakes employment decisions and assessments of ongoing substance abuse concerns. Hair testing surpasses traditional methods by establishing a longer timeline of substance consumption.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests, widely available in Lakewood, IL, are notoriously tamper-resistant. Designed to deter manipulation and provide genuine results, they overshadow other testing methods in reliability. The test mitigates concerns about sample adulteration, ensuring accurate outcomes with every analysis.

By employing stringent and highly controlled procedures, hair tests effectively prevent interference or deceit. This inherent resistance to tampering makes them a preferred choice for organizations, the judicial system, and other entities aiming for a fair and precise testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With a strong network of nationwide testing centers, Lakewood, IL, residents benefit from convenient access to hair follicle testing services. This broad network simplifies the testing process, offering local and quick availability, eliminating the hassle of distant travel for individuals and businesses.

Our local facilities ensure that residents of Lakewood can access quality testing seamlessly, thus strengthening the community's commitment to accountable and safe practices. The network's geographic breadth enhances accessibility and reduces time taken to complete necessary tests.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Lakewood, IL, hair follicle testing is recognized for its simple and confidential process. The straightforward procedure assures clients of privacy while offering ease of use. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize client comfort and confidentiality.

This process aims to alleviate concerns about privacy, making hair testing services more approachable and trusted by individuals and companies alike. The commitment to maintaining discretion throughout the process reflects our dedication to client satisfaction and reliability.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Within Lakewood, IL, our hair follicle testing services are appreciated for their affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. These elements align to provide exceptional value for businesses of various sizes, ensuring they meet their testing needs without substantial financial burden.

Quick processing times further cement the value, allowing companies to swiftly obtain necessary results and make timely decisions. Our competitive pricing coupled with speed showcases our commitment to delivering outstanding service and peace of mind.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Lakewood, IL, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with fast and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures a comprehensive review of substance use, thanks to their capacity to detect a wider range of substances. Businesses and individuals favor hair tests for their uncanny speed and accuracy in delivering dependable outcomes.

This method not only uncovers drug usage with high accuracy but also excels in its swift processing. Employers seeking quick and trustworthy results will find hair follicle drug tests a reliable ally in maintaining workplace safety and compliance.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Lakewood, IL, hair follicle testing offers immense peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks while fostering a safe and productive work environment. Implementing hair testing as part of regular employee assessments reinforces the employer's commitment to safety and compliance.

Furthermore, the long detection window and accuracy of hair tests support informed hiring and management decisions, further enhancing workplace integrity. This proactive approach helps maintain a workplace free from substance-related challenges.

Drug Testing Near Lakewood, IL

Cary, IL

Oakwood Hills, IL

Prairie Grove, IL

Grafton, IL

Huntley, IL

Trout Valley, IL

Algonquin, IL

Lake in the Hills, IL

Ridgefield, IL

Brooklyn, IL

Crystal Lake, IL

McHenry, IL

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews