Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Media, Illinois. If you're in need of testing for drugs or alcohol, our special focus is hair testing, with centers throughout all U.S. cities prepared for hair tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair are required from the head or body. Hair tests can assess for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing needs.
Over the years, drug testing methods have increasingly included hair follicle tests. A growing number of employers, courts, and substance abuse experts are favoring hair tests over traditional urine tests. Employers maintaining zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and probation services employ hair follicle tests. The main advantage of these tests is the significantly extended detection period—up to 90 days—collected under observation and very difficult to tamper with. Nonetheless, for drug use within the last 5 days, urine tests remain accurate.
* 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 analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair records a long-term history of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month window for detecting substances. It is uncomplicated to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for precise measurements. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent mass of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first step of entering a sample into a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, issues a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishes any additional data recording not handled through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as the initial phase to rapidly identify drug presence. While economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, positive results in screening must undergo confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that are presumptively positive at this stage require further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction process. This stage isolates drugs from the hair at a more diluted concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why do hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests in Media, IL? Primarily, they boast superior detection accuracy and increased reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can detect drugs over an extended period, providing a broader scope of substance history. This thorough insight minimizes the risk associated with recent use slipping through undetected, making hair tests the preferred choice.
In Media, IL, hair follicle testing casts a wider net, detecting drug use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged detection window allows employers to thoroughly vet an individual's substance history, ensuring they receive applicants with clean records. The test tracks chronic use much better than a standard urine test, which typically looks at a shorter timeframe.
For those concerned about test integrity in Media, IL, hair follicle testing is tamper-resistant. This testing method substantially reduces the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring results remain trustworthy and indisputable. While other tests may be susceptible to deceitful practices, the physical nature of hair testing elevates its credibility manifold, standing as a deterrent against manipulation.
Testing in Media, IL is seamless with our nationwide and local presence. A wide array of testing centers ensures that accessing these crucial services is both swift and straightforward. Employees and individuals benefit from the convenience that accommodates their schedules, eliminating the hassles typically associated with drug testing.
In Media, IL, the process for hair follicle testing is streamlined and private. From ordering a test to receiving results, each step is straightforward. Ensuring a confidential journey, it addresses privacy concerns effectively. The simplicity of the method guarantees a hassle-free experience, providing peace of mind for all participants.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times are hallmarks of our Media, IL hair follicle testing services. Companies, regardless of size, will find the value provided extraordinary. Rapid results coupled with reasonable rates make it an attractive option, ensuring companies receive excellent service without compromising their budgets.
In Media, IL, hair follicle drug tests promise fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. The precision in detecting substances ensures that results reflect true usage. Hair tests excel not only in speed but also offer unmatched detection accuracy, ensuring that every instance of substance use is recorded. Their comprehensive nature enables organizations to make informed decisions based on solid evidence.
Employers in Media, IL can rest easier with hair follicle testing's contribution to compliance and assurance. It supports adherence to drug-free policies at the workplace, diminishing legal risks and fostering a safe, effective environment. With reliable results, employers can confidently enforce standards, aligning organizational policies with regulatory frameworks.
