Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle testing for drugs in Winnetka, Illinois. If you're seeking a hair drug or alcohol test, Accredited Drug Testing is a specialist in hair analyses, with locations throughout the nation that can conduct a hair exam. Ideally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the crown or body is required for most cases. Hair tests are analyzable for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific testing needs.
Recently, hair follicle testing has become a more common approach in drug assessments. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts mandate hair drug analysis instead of the typical urine exam. This method is preferred by employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies, courts, and probation officers. Its main advantage is an extensive drug detection window of approximately 90 days. The process is closely monitored and nearly unhackable. Nevertheless, urine tests still provide superior accuracy for detecting drugs within the previous 5 days.
* 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.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can present around a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and the samples are easily transportable.
Taking a 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp provides 100mg, the optimum sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. In instances where scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the laboratory system. This process includes checking that the sample has been sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any needed data entry not performed by an electronic chain of custody system.
In the Screening phase, an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse is conducted. Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use across most samples. However, for court admissibility, a positive screen requires confirmation. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in accordance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle tests significantly eclipse urine exams in identifying prior drug use. Hair tests in Winnetka, IL, are known for their superior detection accuracy and provide more reliable results compared to traditional methods.
Enhanced Detection—employers and professionals are increasingly transitioning to this test due to its ability to reveal prolonged usage history, while urine tests often miss drug use occurring over extended periods.
One notable benefit of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike other forms, tests can track drug use for up to 90 days. This feature makes it a preferred choice in Winnetka, IL, offering detailed insights into an individual's substance use history.
Employers benefit from hair testing's capacity to extend the review period of their workforce's drug use, providing a comprehensive overview of applicants or employees.
Hair follicle tests are tamper-resistant, leaving little room for adulteration, thus providing credible results that hold up in legal and professional settings in Winnetka, IL. These tests are conducted with strict observation, ensuring sample integrity.
The tamper-proof nature of this testing method offers unquestionable reliability, which cannot be easily achieved with traditional methods, reinforcing trust in the results obtained.
Accessible Testing is a significant advantage of our nationwide network of testing centers, including local ones in Winnetka, IL. This vast reach ensures that our services are both convenient and hassle-free, offering clients and employers easy access to reliable testing.
With a presence across the country, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process for organizations in need of testing, facilitating swift and en masse testing efforts.
The hair follicle testing process in Winnetka, IL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From order placement to receiving results, every step prioritizes the privacy and comfort of the client.
Our well-structured procedures ensure ease of use, from the initial consultation to the discreet collection of samples, reaffirming our commitment to client satisfaction and confidentiality.
We offer competitive affordable pricing for hair follicle testing in Winnetka, IL, ensuring high-quality testing services that fit various budgets. Our rates are tailored to be economically viable for businesses of all sizes.
Alongside affordability, we pride ourselves on a fast turnaround, delivering prompt results without compromising on quality. This ensures optimal value for our corporate partners and individual clients alike.
Efficient and Precise results are key benefits when opting for hair follicle drug testing in Winnetka, IL. These tests deliver high accuracy due to their ability to detect various substances over a more prolonged period compared to other testing methods.
The accuracy and speed of hair follicle tests make them an ideal choice for individuals and employers who require fast and reliable results promptly, ensuring peace of mind and efficient management of testing processes.
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies in Winnetka, IL, offers employers peace of mind by aligning with drug-free standards and minimizing legal risks. This method ensures comprehensive screening and compliance with regulations.
Safety and reliability are prioritized through hair testing, which detects prolonged substance use history, enhancing workplace safety and aiding in maintaining drug-free environments.