Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Robbins, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a compelling method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four primary steps involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning incorporates the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, attributes a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Despite being cost-effective to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening mandates confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening need a supplemental confirmation.

If presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to tampering: Cheating a hair drug test is very difficult, yielding more precise results.
• Historical data provision: It can illustrate a pattern of drug usage over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually more costly than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal variations in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outshines urine tests in Robbins, IL, with superior detection and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests offer a broader detection scope, uncovering substance use that might slip through urine screening.

Thanks to their enhanced accuracy, hair tests provide a robust solution for identifying drug use, ensuring that crucial details are not missed during assessments.

Extended Detection Window

In Robbins, IL, hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection window up to 90 days, far surpassing other tests. This extended period gives employers a detailed overview of an individual’s substance history.

By opting for hair testing, employers gain a comprehensive insight, allowing for more informed decisions regarding hiring and workplace safety policies.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Robbins, IL benefits from hair follicle tests that are virtually tamper-proof, significantly minimizing the chances of sample adulteration. This ensures the reliability and integrity of the test results.

With hair testing, the risk of manipulation is drastically reduced, providing stakeholders with results they can trust implicitly.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With accessible testing centers nationwide and in Robbins, IL, hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. Our widespread locations facilitate quick access to essential drug testing services.

This extensive network allows individuals and employers alike to benefit from our easy-to-reach facilities, streamlining the testing process significantly.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Robbins, IL, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result receiving, each step prioritizes ease of use and privacy.

We ensure a seamless experience that addresses concerns about confidentiality, allowing individuals to feel secure while accessing test services.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, our hair follicle testing in Robbins, IL delivers exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable rates and quick results.

This ensures that businesses can maintain their budgets while receiving reliable and prompt testing services, aiding in informed decision-making.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Robbins, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in identifying substance use, making them a trustworthy choice for reliable results.

By utilizing hair analysis, we ensure fast and accurate detection of substances, providing comprehensive results that employers and individuals can depend on without delay.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Robbins, IL find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace security.

Implementing these tests supports a safer, drug-free environment, aligning with organizational policies and fostering a sense of security among all employees.

Drug Testing Near Robbins, IL

Beverly, IL

Phoenix, IL

Harvey, IL

Riverdale, IL

Hazel Green, IL

Oak Forest, IL

Markham, IL

Merrionette Park, IL

Alsip, IL

Dixmoor, IL

Crestwood, IL

Blue Island, IL

Midlothian, IL

Posen, IL

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Customer Reviews