Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Rolling Meadows, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present a detection period extending up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and easily transportable.

A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels surpassing 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar volume of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases involved in processing a drug test result at the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning comprises the initial incorporation of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process confirms that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court admissible. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a briefer detection period.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical data: It can illustrate a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs take approximately 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Costly: Hair drug tests are typically more costly than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself analyzes the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Rolling Meadows, IL, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair tests offer extended detection intervals and are virtually impossible to alter. Urine tests, while effective for recent drug use, fail to match hair tests’ longer detection period. This factor makes hair testing invaluable for employers and legal professionals in maintaining drug-free environments.

Extended Detection Window

Rolling Meadows, IL, benefits from hair follicle tests that offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive overview of an individual’s drug use history allows employers to make informed decisions about current and prospective employees. With such a long detection capability, businesses can ensure greater workplace safety and compliance with organizational standards.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Rolling Meadows, IL, provide a tamper-resistant testing solution. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis greatly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring authenticity and reliability. Employers and legal institutions alike can trust the integrity of hair testing, making it an exemplary choice for those needing credible drug testing results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Rolling Meadows, IL, and beyond benefit from the convenience of our nationwide testing facility network. With numerous local and national centers, our services are easily accessible, providing unobstructed access to quick and hassle-free drug testing. This widespread availability simplifies scheduling and ensures that clients always have a testing center close at hand for their needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Rolling Meadows, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. Our straightforward ordering, testing, and result-reporting procedures ensure ease of use while maintaining privacy. Individuals can trust that their information remains protected throughout the process, addressing any confidentiality concerns they may have.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Rolling Meadows, IL, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. We aim to provide outstanding value and efficiency for organizations of all sizes. By choosing our services, companies can benefit from high-quality testing without incurring prohibitive costs, keeping drug-free workplace objectives within budgetary constraints.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Rolling Meadows, IL, set them apart. These tests boast high accuracy, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. Employers can trust in the test's precision, steering clear of any false negatives or doubtful results. Hair testing not only provides quick results but guarantees correctness, enhancing decision-making in employment and court decisions.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Rolling Meadows, IL, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests help mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety, supporting employers in upholding a healthier work environment. By incorporating hair testing, companies can assure stakeholders of their dedication to safety and policy adherence.

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