Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lawndale, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its expanding strand. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal up to an estimated three-month period of alcohol and drug presence. The collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches or around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for comprehensive evaluation. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is recommended. It's advisable to verify the specimen's weight using a jeweler's scale. In instances where scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair may be collected. The term "head hair" specifically indicates scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary phases involved in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary integration of a sample within a lab's framework. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening is an initial swift assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to negate drug presence in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal validation. Any Screening samples deemed presumptive positives must undergo further verification.

When a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are abstracted from hair with a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Confirming a positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. Both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation oversee the entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can trace drug use for up to 90 days, offering a broader detection scope than urine tests.
• Resistance to tampering: Hair drug tests are challenging to manipulate, thereby enhancing the reliability of results.
• Insights into usage trends: This test provides an insight into the historical drug usage pattern, unlike other tests that focus on recent use.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for recent detection: It takes about 5-7 days post-usage for drugs to be traceable in hair.
• Expensive: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to other testing techniques.
• Inconsistent results: Variables like hair pigmentation and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although termed as “hair follicle tests,” the analysis targets the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lawndale, IL
Hair follicle testing takes precedence over traditional urine tests, largely due to its superior accuracy and extended detection window. While urine tests are commonly used, they often miss long-term usage that hair testing effectively uncovers, providing comprehensive information about an individual's drug history.

In terms of reliability, hair testing is difficult to circumvent, unlike urine tests which can be tampered under certain circumstances. Its precision not only helps employers enforce a drug-free policy but also offers peace of mind from knowing the results are trustworthy and reflect genuine usage.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Lawndale, IL
One of the outstanding features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an expansive period—up to 90 days. This long detection window far surpasses the limits of urine testing and provides a more comprehensive overview of an individual's drug usage patterns.

For employers, this means having a more complete understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance habits, enhancing their capacity to maintain a safe and compliant working environment. This extended window makes hair testing a powerful tool in workforce management.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lawndale, IL
The hair follicle testing method significantly reduces opportunities for sample tampering or adulteration. Unlike urine samples that can be easily diluted or swapped, hair samples offer security by being collected under direct observation.

This ensures that results are reliable and indisputable, providing confidence to both employers and employees that the process is fair and the outcomes are authentic. The robustness of hair follicle testing makes it a preferred choice for those seeking unchallengeable results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lawndale, IL
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing with centers available both nationwide and locally in Lawndale, IL. This extensive reach ensures that individuals can avail themselves of testing services with ease, without facing geographical constraints.

With strategically located centers, scheduling a test is simple, quick, and hassle-free. This access not only supports large corporations in workforce testing but also helps smaller businesses and individuals meet their testing needs efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Lawndale, IL
The hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is user-friendly, ensuring a seamless experience for the test takers.

Confidentiality is paramount, and Accredited Drug Testing guarantees that all personal information and results are handled with the utmost care. This trust in the process encourages a stress-free experience and reassures users of privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lawndale, IL
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can leverage the advantages of hair follicle tests without breaking their budgets. Our affordability enhances accessibility to precise testing.

Coupled with prompt turnaround times, our services provide not only value but also speed, enhancing client satisfaction. Businesses can make informed decisions quickly, thanks to our efficient processing and reliable cost structures.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lawndale, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their precision and speed in substance detection. This method provides highly accurate results that reveal more than just the presence of drugs; it offers a clearer picture of substance use. This accuracy ensures employers make informed decisions based on reliable data.

The speed of processing hair follicle tests in Lawndale is unmatched. Once collected, samples can be swiftly analyzed, providing employers with quick yet dependable results. This rapid turnaround not only expedites hiring and compliance processes but also reinforces trust in the testing methodology.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lawndale, IL
Implementing hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policies, aligns with regulatory requirements, and mitigates legal risks. This method reassures employers of compliance, as it offers comprehensive drug history insights by its extended detection window.

This not only enhances workplace safety but boosts overall productivity by ensuring that employees are substance-free, ultimately creating a more secure work setting. It enables employers to take proactive measures in maintaining policy adherence with complete assurance.

Drug Testing Near Lawndale, IL

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