Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Woodlawn, IL

What it is, How it works

The practice of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a historical record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample, approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil), nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioned, head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase that integrates a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to rule out drug consumption on most samples, a positive screen must be validated for legal acceptability. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample come back with a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this process, drugs are extracted from the hair at a concentration much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection span.
• Resistance to tampering: It is exceedingly challenging to manipulate a hair drug test, leading to more precise results.
• Historical insight: It can depict a pattern of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to determine recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally come at a higher cost compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why do hair follicle tests trump urine methods in Woodlawn, IL? The answer lies in superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers a comprehensive view of long-term drug use, unlike its urine counterpart.

In Woodlawn, IL, hair testing is favored for its extended detection period and higher accuracy compared to traditional urine tests, making it a more effective choice for employers and individuals seeking reliable results.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Woodlawn, IL, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This method provides a detailed look at an individual's drug history.

With hair testing in Woodlawn, IL, the ability to detect substances long after ingestion offers a comprehensive assessment of an employee's or applicant's drug use history, an invaluable insight for making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Woodlawn, IL, excels with its tamper-resistant nature, making sample adulteration nearly impossible and ensuring trustworthy results.

In Woodlawn, IL, the integrity of hair follicle tests is unmatched. The method's resistance to tampering guarantees reliable and indisputable outcomes, crucial for upholding testing validity.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient locations nationwide and locally in Woodlawn, IL, ensuring swift and seamless access to hair follicle testing services.

In Woodlawn, IL, the accessibility of our testing centers guarantees an easy and hassle-free experience, eliminating the barriers to obtaining necessary drug testing services whenever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Woodlawn, IL, is simple and confidential, upholding privacy concerns at every stage.

Woodlawn, IL, residents experience ease and privacy with the straightforward method of hair follicle testing, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish without compromising confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Woodlawn, IL companies benefit from our competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests, offering outstanding value and reassurance at every level.

Hair follicle testing in Woodlawn, IL, combines affordability with quick results, providing businesses of all sizes with a cost-effective option that does not sacrifice quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Woodlawn, IL, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched speed, accuracy, and reliability. This method stands out for its high precision in detecting various substances, ensuring quick and dependable results for individuals and employers alike.

The science behind hair follicle testing guarantees fast and precise outcomes. In Woodlawn, IL, this accuracy aids decisions on substance use, providing peace of mind and trust in the results obtained.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Woodlawn, IL, hair follicle testing boosts compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks and promoting a safer working environment.

Employers in Woodlawn, IL, find reassurance in hair follicle testing's compliance facilitation, enhancing workplace safety and mitigating legal challenges through comprehensive drug-free policy adherence.

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