Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Ridgewood, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an efficient method for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair records extended history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, it reveals up to a three-month history for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, perfect for both screening and confirming. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent body hair sample may be used. Here, 'head hair' means scalp hair, while 'body hair' covers other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The key procedures in laboratory drug test processing consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In Accessioning, a sample is initially logged into the lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any additional data entry omitted by electronic chain systems.

Screening is a quick preliminary check for the presence of drugs. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive Screening requires further validation for court acceptability. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.

For samples testing presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the toughest methodologies.

Confirmation of positive screening results is performed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole lab process is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designations and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that cover shorter periods.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair test is challenging, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Provides usage history: It shows a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Detection of drugs in hair takes about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair testing is typically pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual growth rates can influence metabolite concentration.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" might be misleading as it actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ridgewood, IL
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage over traditional urine tests. With its superior detection accuracy and reliability, it provides an extended detection window and is difficult to tamper with. Compared to urine tests, hair testing offers a broader history of substance use, giving employers a clearer picture of an individual's drug history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Ridgewood, IL

• Hair follicle testing allows substance detection up to 90 days, surpassing the much shorter window of urine testing.
• This lengthy detection period gives employers substantial insight into an applicant's or employee's drug usage.
• Therefore, it is particularly useful for long-term substance use monitoring, aiding in maintaining a drug-free environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ridgewood, IL
One of the powerful advantages of hair follicle testing is the difficulty involved in cheating or adulterating the sample. This method substantially reduces the risk of tampering, providing reliable and unassailable results that stand up to scrutiny.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ridgewood, IL

• Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures quick and easy access.
• In Ridgewood, IL, local facilities offer convenience and accessibility to high-quality testing services.
• This widespread availability makes the drug testing process hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Ridgewood, IL
Ordering and completing a hair follicle test in Ridgewood is straightforward and confidential. From scheduling the test to receiving the results, the process emphasizes privacy, ensuring comfort and ease of use for all participants concerned about discretion and simplicity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ridgewood, IL
Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times offer excellent value, providing peace of mind and conscious budgeting for companies of any size. Efficient test processing ensures that employers and individuals are not left waiting for results, facilitating timely decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ridgewood, IL
Hair follicle testing in Ridgewood stands out for its precision and speed, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. These tests offer high accuracy which minimizes false positives and false negatives, allowing for fast results. Their efficiency is especially valued by employers eager for precise substance abuse assessment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ridgewood, IL
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies can significantly reduce legal risks. Hair follicle testing in Ridgewood provides employers with peace of mind by enhancing workplace safety and maintaining a compliant workforce free from substance abuse.

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