Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Specializing in hair tests for drugs or alcohol, our centers are available in cities Nationwide to conduct such examinations. Typically, 1.5 to 2-inch hair from the crown or body is adequate. Hair samples can be tested for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored test options.
In recent years, there's been a growing inclination towards hair follicle drug tests over traditional methods. Many employers, judges, and Substance Abuse professionals mandate hair tests instead of urine analysis. Hair drug tests are vital for zero-tolerance workplaces, judiciary purposes, and for individuals on probation, thanks to their extended detection window of up to 90 days. Rapid collection and minimal chances for manipulation make them reliable, though urine tests are still optimal for recent (within 5 days) drug use detection.
* 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 recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair archives a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within its fibers as the hair strand develops. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, perfect for initial screening and further confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four primary steps: 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 fulfilling any extra data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails a quick preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is considered the most challenging to conduct.
Any positive Screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are washed before Confirmation if necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oak Lawn, IL
When it comes to drug testing, hair follicle methods surpass urine tests in several aspects. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities, capturing a broader spectrum of drug use over time. Unlike urine tests, which may falter in providing historical data, hair testing excels in reliability and precision. This comprehensive approach ensures that employers can evaluate substance use with greater accuracy, enabling informed decisions.
Extended Detection Window in Oak Lawn, IL
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests allows them to capture drug use over a lengthy period, up to 90 days. This feature gives employers a more complete understanding of an individual's substance history. By documenting past drug consumption habits, organizations gain insights that are pivotal for maintaining workplace safety and compliance. This long-term view places hair testing ahead of other methods in terms of thoroughness.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oak Lawn, IL
Hair follicle tests offer a robust defense against sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy and convincing results. These tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, which is a common concern with other testing techniques. By providing a secure and reliable testing process, hair testing maintains the integrity of the results, thereby reinforcing confidence in their authenticity. This reliability renders them an ideal choice for cautious environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oak Lawn, IL
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Oak Lawn, IL, ensures easy access to our services. The widespread availability of our centers guarantees that individuals can undergo tests without unnecessary hassle. This convenience is complemented by our efficient processes, making our services accessible and straightforward for anyone in need of reliable drug testing options, wherever they are located.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oak Lawn, IL
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, we ensure a seamless experience while prioritizing confidentiality. This dedication to privacy assures clients that their personal information remains protected throughout the testing procedure. Our streamlined approach enhances client comfort, making the entire journey from testing to result retrieval as stress-free as possible.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oak Lawn, IL
With competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times, our services provide exceptional value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our affordable options without compromising on quality or speed. Our commitment to keeping costs accessible aligns with our goal of delivering fast and effective results, thereby offering companies an advantageous balance of price and reliability for their drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oak Lawn, IL
Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid and precise results, making them an exemplary choice for detailed substance use analysis. Their high accuracy rates make them a valuable tool in identifying drug presence efficiently. Ideal for proactive assessments, these tests provide dependable outcomes, backed by proven methodologies. With an expedited processing time, stakeholders can rely on timely and trusted feedback.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak Lawn, IL
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free mandates, decreasing legal liabilities and bolstering safety. This method grants employers peace of mind, knowing they are upholding regulatory standards. With enhanced compliance measures in place, organizations can focus on maintaining a productive and secure environment. Hair testing facilitates these goals by offering a sturdy framework for drug monitoring and violation prevention.
