Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in Wheaton, Illinois. If you're in need of testing for drugs or alcohol, we excel in hair-based assessments with facilities located across cities nationwide. To conduct a test, you typically require 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, although body hair may be used under certain conditions. Our hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or cater to other specific requirements.
In recent times, hair follicle drug tests have become preferred for drug detection. Many businesses, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts are favoring hair tests over traditional urine tests. These tests are utilized by employers adhering to strict no-drug policies, legal institutions, and probation services. The primary advantage of hair follicle tests lies in their extensive detection period of up to 90 days. Conducted under supervision, they're virtually cheat-proof, though urine tests remain superior for identifying 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.
Regarding the detection of drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing has emerged as a significant method. Hair retains long-term evidence of substances, capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, the detection window for both alcohol and drugs can extend up to 3 months. The collection of hair is straightforward, with low risks for tampering, and it is easy to send for analysis.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) located closest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is deemed optimal for testing. For screenings such as EtG, or those encompassing more than 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other variants (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing drug-test samples in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, involving the input of a sample into the lab's system. This involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional required data entry beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening acts as an initial, swift check for drugs. It is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in many instances. Nonetheless, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Any sample that tests presumptive positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initially collected sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any initial positive result involves utilizing techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed if required. The complete procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests", this analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wheaton, IL
The efficacy of hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, offering superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests which detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a window into long-term patterns of substance usage, ensuring comprehensive insight and enhanced reliability. This method fortifies anti-drug policies with its precise and enduring detection range.
Extended Detection Window in Wheaton, IL
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This longevity allows employers to gain a complete understanding of an individual’s drug use history, ensuring informed decision-making processes. The comprehensive nature of this test helps maintain a drug-free environment, accurately reflecting long-term behavioral patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wheaton, IL
The integrity of hair follicle testing is fortified by its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, hair testing drastically reduces sample manipulation possibilities, ensuring that results remain uncontested. This robust approach provides reliable data, enhancing trust and confidence amongst users and making it a preferred choice for those seeking authentic results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wheaton, IL
With testing centers scattered nationwide, the accessibility of our services is unmatched. This broad network ensures that testing is both swift and convenient, removing any barriers to access. Whether local or across the country, our facilities provide streamlined experiences for those requiring drug testing services, fostering a seamless testing journey.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wheaton, IL
The hair follicle testing process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality at its core. From ordering to receiving results, every stage is executed with the utmost respect for privacy. Users can confidently engage with the system, assured of their information's security, whilst the procedure remains straightforward and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wheaton, IL
Providing competitive pricing and quick result turnaround, our hair follicle testing offers exceptional value. Companies of all sizes appreciate the cost-effective solutions we bring, ensuring that both budget constraints and quality standards are met. With hastened processing times, immediate results are attainable, cementing our service as a blend of affordability and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wheaton, IL
Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering rapid and precise results, providing unmatched accuracy in substance detection. The advanced methodology employed ensures that users can trust the outcomes, making them a go-to option for efficient testing. Employers and individuals alike benefit from this reliable testing method, offering peace of mind and timely information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wheaton, IL
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace mandates. The method lowers legal liabilities and boost workplace security. By opting for this testing, companies not only meet compliance requirements but also cultivate an environment of safety, significantly reducing the potential for drug-related incidents.
