Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Norridge, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair evaluation has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged account of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, it can reveal up to nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hairs (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or beyond 10-panel examinations, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient way to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court admission. Presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If preliminary positive results arise in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and placed for Extraction. Here, drugs are stripped from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing when necessary. The overall laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: It is very hard to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Supplies historical insights: It can demonstrate a drug use pattern over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests cost more than alternative testing approaches.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Is Superior

In Norridge, IL, hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests with its broader detection window.

Hair follicle tests provide an expansive detection capacity over standard urine tests, promoting superior reliability and accuracy.

The durability of hair testing renders it advantageous for identifying long-term substance use compared to urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window

In Norridge, IL, hair follicle testing offers a prolonged analysis window of up to 90 days.

Employers gain meaningful insight into substance history through hair tests, useful for extended periods and comprehensive review.

The broad detection span of hair testing is ideal for understanding an individual's long-term substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing

In Norridge, IL, hair follicle tests are designed to mitigate the risk of sample adulteration.

This testing method ensures reliable outcomes, thanks to its resistance against manipulation, providing trustworthy results.

By reducing adulteration risks, hair tests ensure integrity and reliability in drug testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience is at the core of our nationwide and local testing centers in Norridge, IL, providing easy access.

Our strategic positioning ensures seamless and hassle-free testing experiences for all users.

Access to nearby facilities simplifies the process, ensuring quick and efficient drug testing.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential

In Norridge, IL, hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout.

The discreet process addresses privacy concerns, making testing an unobtrusive experience.

From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with ease and confidentiality in mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable and Quick

In Norridge, IL, competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times assure excellent value for companies.

Our cost-effective solutions accommodate businesses of all sizes, delivering peace of mind.

The affordability and prompt response of our services meet the demands of today's dynamic workplace environments.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Norridge, IL, Hair Follicle Drug Tests assure fast, precise, and dependable outcomes. Their high level of accuracy in identifying substance use positions them as a preferable method for screening.

Advanced technology in hair testing yields swift and trustworthy results, reinforcing confidence in the results produced.

Employers benefit from the rapidity and exactness of hair tests, facilitating informed decisions quickly.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind

Employers in Norridge, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing's alignment with drug-free workplace policies.

Adopting hair testing cuts legal risks, ensuring compliance and promoting a safe working environment.

By enhancing workplace security, hair tests bring peace of mind with their adherence to compliance standards.

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