Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Otterville, Illinois. Whether you need to screen for drugs or alcohol via hair, our facilities across the nation are equipped for hair analysis. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required for testing. Hair testing can target drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized as per requirements.
In recent times, the use of hair follicle tests for drug detection has increased. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts are turning to hair drug tests rather than traditional urine tests. Those who enforce zero-tolerance policies often choose hair tests due to their extended detection period—up to 90 days—and the difficulty in tampering with the sample. However, urine tests remain more reliable for recent drug use within a 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.
Hair examination has gained recognition as an efficient means for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair retains a long-term record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month timeframe for the detection of alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation process of a drug test result consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a specimen into the laboratory's system. This involves ensuring the specimen was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial cursory analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most specimens, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any specimens with presumptive positive Screening results need subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Otterville, IL, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive detection window of up to 90 days, compared to the limited timeframe of urine tests. This extended period ensures that past substance use does not go unnoticed, providing a reliable reflection of a candidate's or employee's history.
Hair testing's reliability stems from its greater accuracy and resistance to tampering, making it a preferred choice for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies. The observed collection process further ensures sample integrity, reducing the risk of adulteration and delivering trustworthy results that urine testing may not be able to match.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Otterville, IL provides employers a thorough view into an individual's drug use history. This long-term insight aids in making informed decisions during recruitment and ongoing employee evaluations, ensuring a substance-free workplace.
Unlike urine tests, which only reflect recent use, hair testing captures a prolonged history, offering a broader understanding of behavior patterns. Employers benefit from this expansive detection capability, as it allows them to align with regulations and reinforce safety and compliance within the organization.
Hair follicle testing in Otterville, IL is a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This reliable approach ensures that test results remain unquestionable and valid, supporting employers in maintaining a high standard of accuracy in drug testing outcomes.
Due to the direct collection process, the integrity of samples remains intact, unlike urine tests that can be more easily manipulated. This method provides organizations with a robust tool to uphold drug-free policies, reassuring management of the accuracy and credibility of the testing procedures.
In Otterville, IL and beyond, our nationwide testing centers offer unparalleled convenience for hair follicle testing. With locations across the country, accessing our services is quick and hassle-free, ensuring that employers and individuals alike can complete tests efficiently.
Local testing facilities provide the advantage of easy access, minimizing travel time and facilitating prompt service. This extensive network supports various companies in meeting their drug testing needs swiftly, maintaining continuity and compliance without additional strain.
Our simple and confidential process for hair follicle drug testing in Otterville, IL, ensures ease of use and privacy for all participants. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is streamlined, addressing concerns over privacy and accessibility effectively.
Participants can expect a process that respects their confidentiality, with results being handled discreetly. The ease with which tests are administered and processed reduces stress, promoting a trustworthy testing environment for both employers and employees.
In Otterville, IL, we provide affordable pricing for hair follicle drug tests, along with fast turnaround times, ensuring great value for companies of all sizes. Quick processing helps businesses make timely decisions, reinforcing productivity and confidence.
Our competitive pricing structures make it feasible for organizations to implement regular and comprehensive testing without undue financial burden. This ensures consistency in maintaining workplace safety and compliance while optimizing budgeting for drug testing requirements.
In Otterville, IL, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its speed and accuracy. Fast results empower employers with timely knowledge about substance use, aiding in quick decision-making and promoting workplace safety. The accuracy of this method ensures that results are dependable, lending confidence to both employers and employees in the precision of the outcomes.
Hair follicle tests offer a comprehensive and highly accurate measure of substance use history, unmatched by traditional methods. This level of precision helps organizations implement effective policies and maintain a drug-free workplace. The reliability of results minimizes disputes and fosters a transparent relationship between employers and employees.
Adopting hair follicle testing supports regulatory compliance, demonstrating an organization's commitment to maintaining a safe and responsible workplace. This commitment not only protects the company's reputation but also assures employees of the fair implementation of drug testing policies.
