In Metropolis, Illinois, Accredited Drug Testing offers a comprehensive approach to hair follicle drug testing. Specializing in both drug and alcohol analyses, our services reach across the nation, providing access to hair tests in every city. Ideally, clients should have 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the head or body for testing, allowing for a wide array of assessments, including drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more standard method for assessing drug use. This type of testing is increasingly favored by employers, legal entities, and Substance Abuse specialists over traditional urine tests. Hair testing is preferred by those who adhere to strict anti-drug use policies because of its extensive detection timeframe, up to 90 days, and its intricate collection process that reduces tampering risks, although urine tests remain superior for recent drug use within five days.
* 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 has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. The hair acts as a repository for alcohol and other drug biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, showcasing long-term usage patterns. Hair gathered near the scalp can reveal a detection period of nearly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting and sending hair samples is straightforward, making it hard to tamper with.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It is best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, the same amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair, on the other hand, includes any other hair forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process carried out in the lab to analyze a drug test sample involves four primary steps, namely Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab's system. This step ensures that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, designates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any further data input absent in an electronic chain of custody format.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid examination for drugs that are commonly abused. Although Screening economically excludes drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening demand subsequent confirmation.
If Screening reveals a presumptive positive, additional hair is sourced from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drug extraction occurs from hair at a significantly reduced concentration level compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is more intricate to execute.
Positive results from screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary cleansing before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory actions from Accessioning to Confirmation are evaluated per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle vs. Urine Testing: Advantages in Metropolis, IL
Hair follicle testing offers several benefits over more traditional urine tests. While urine tests only reflect recent drug use, hair analysis uncovers usage over a three-month span, offering a longer detection window. This extensive period makes hair tests more reliable and comprehensive, helping employers maintain a drug-free work environment.
Extended Detection Window in Metropolis, IL
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its long detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's drug usage patterns over a substantial time frame, offering insights into habitual use that are not possible with shorter-term testing methods.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Metropolis, IL
The integrity of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risks of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, the direct collection process and the nature of the sample make it exceptionally challenging to alter results, ensuring that outcomes remain accurate and trustworthy for making critical decisions based on the data.
Convenient Testing Locations in Metropolis, IL
At Accredited Drug Testing, convenience is a priority with our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. Whether in Metropolis or beyond, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring that clients receive the testing they need expediently without unnecessary travel or delays.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Metropolis, IL
Our approach to drug testing is both straightforward and private. Clients can easily order, take, and receive their results seamlessly. The assurance of confidentiality throughout the process addresses privacy concerns, making it an accessible and worry-free experience for all participants involved.
Affordable and Efficient Services in Metropolis, IL
Balancing cost with quality, our pricing structures for hair follicle testing are competitive and designed to provide exceptional value. Coupled with fast turnaround times, clients experience excellent service without breaking their budgets, making our offerings appealing to businesses of all sizes seeking quality assurance in their testing needs.
Fast and Reliable Drug Testing in Metropolis, IL
When accuracy and speed are crucial, hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled benefits. These tests stand out due to their precise detection methods, ensuring reliable results for substance use assessments. Their rapid processing enables prompt feedback, making them a dependable choice for both employers and individuals.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind in Metropolis, IL
Employers aiming for a safe and compliant workplace find hair follicle testing to be an invaluable tool. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies through this method, companies can mitigate legal risks, promote safety, and uphold a standard of integrity and trust within their teams, fostering a more productive environment.
