Comprehensive hair follicle drug tests are provided by Accredited Drug Testing in Oak Park, Illinois. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol test, we offer specialized hair testing services and have facilities nationwide to conduct these tests. Usually, samples are taken from 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body. Hair analyses can reveal drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored testing options.
In recent years, hair follicle drug testing has become a more common method. Employers, legal systems, and substance abuse experts favor it over standard urine tests. Those with zero-tolerance policies, legal authorities, and individuals on probation widely use hair drug tests. One significant advantage is the extended detection window, which can reveal drug use over 90 days, is collected under supervision, and proves challenging to tamper with. Despite this, urine tests remain the most accurate for detecting drug use within a recent 5-day window.
* 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.
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol markers by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can furnish an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmatory purposes. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental phases in laboratory processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially integrating a sample into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any leftover data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as an economical method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court acceptability. Presumptive positive samples in Screening need further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen to prepare for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oak Park, IL Hair testing presents clear advantages over urine tests, boasting superior detection accuracy. Not only does it uncover a more extended history of drug use, but it also presents a more reliable measure, unaffected by temporary abstinence attempts. Employers and legal institutions benefit from this reliability, ensuring policies are upheld and true substance use patterns recognized.
Extended Detection Window in Oak Park, IL Hair follicle testing allows the detection of drug usage over an impressive period of up to 90 days. This extended window is invaluable to employers, offering a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. It assures organizations that they are making informed decisions, reinforcing workplace safety and integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oak Park, IL The method of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration. With its robust collection process, the certainty of getting reliable and unquestionable results is dramatically increased. This resistance to tampering makes it the go-to choice for securing accurate insights into substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oak Park, IL Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, and in Oak Park, IL, ensures easy access to our services. This approach promises efficiency and expediency, promoting a stress-free testing experience for all our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oak Park, IL The process of ordering, undertaking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. We recognize the importance of privacy and ease for our clients, ensuring that all concerns regarding discretion are thoroughly addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oak Park, IL Our competitive pricing framework, paired with swift turnaround times, positions us as a top choice for companies. Whatever the size of the organization, our offerings assure value and efficiency, providing solutions that cater to budgetary and operational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oak Park, IL Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed in identifying substance abuse. Their high accuracy makes them a preferred choice for determining drug use, ensuring no stone is left unturned in the detection process. The results are produced quickly, providing peace of mind and allowing timely decisions based on reliable information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak Park, IL Employing hair follicle testing can guarantee adherence to workplace drug-free protocols. By reducing potential legal issues and bolstering safety, employers gain peace of mind. This testing method thus supports a wholesome and secure work environment.
