Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Wheeling, IL

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a long-term record of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection range of nearly 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) taken near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be retrieved. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processes a drug test result through four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a specimen within the laboratory system. This process ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completes any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves an initial swift check for substances. Although it's a budget-friendly method for ruling out drugs in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction preparation. During this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a complex methodology.

Confirmation for any positive screen outcome is carried out via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in line with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify substance use for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests which have a shorter detection period.
• Tough to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is notably challenging, leading to more precise results.
• Tracks usage history: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Substances take around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically costlier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and individual growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicles beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Wheeling, IL, hair follicle testing offers advantages over traditional urine tests, showcasing superior detection capabilities. While urine tests detect recent usages, hair tests offer a 90-day detection window, proving more reliable. The detailed insights into an individual's substance history make hair testing a preferred option for accuracy and reliability.

Extended Detection Window

For employers in Wheeling, IL, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests provides a fuller picture of drug use. This method tracks substance history for up to 90 days, unlike shorter-term urine tests. Employers gain a comprehensive look into an employee's or applicant's long-term substance use patterns with hair testing.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Wheeling, IL offer a robust defense against sample tampering. As a tamper-resistant testing method, it ensures authenticity and reliability. The challenge of altering or adulterating samples is significantly reduced, offering courts and employers unquestionable dependability in the results provided.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide centers with local access in Wheeling, IL. Our numerous locations remove the hassle, offering simple and swift access to our testing services. From coast to coast, our facilities ensure quick, easy testing access tailored to meet diverse needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Wheeling, IL, the process of hair follicle testing remains easy and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, privacy and simplicity are prioritized. Clients experience a streamlined process, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and stress-free testing procedures.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordability and quick results are key strengths of our hair follicle testing in Wheeling, IL. Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times cater to companies of all sizes, delivering excellent value. Such advantages offer organizations peace of mind with efficient, cost-effective substance testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Wheeling, IL deliver fast, precise outcomes. Their accuracy in revealing substance use is unparalleled, making it a trusted choice for detecting drug abuse. With quick turnarounds and reliable results, hair testing stands out as a superior option in substance testing, allowing for timely and informed decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Wheeling, IL find hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal liabilities while boosting company safety standards. By choosing hair tests, employers secure compliance and promote a safer work environment with peace of mind that policies are upheld.

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