Hair Follicle Drug Testing Burbank, IL
Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides Hair Follicle drug testing Burbank, IL for individuals and employers needing a drug test utilizing the hair follicle analysis process. To schedule a hair follicle drug test in Burbank, IL, Call (800) 221-4291. Most testing centers are within minutes of your home or office.
Hair follicle drug testing Burbank, IL is available for 5, 10, and 12 panel drug screenings.
To schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test at one of our testing centers in the Grady county area, Call (800) 221-4291, Same Day Service Available. Testing centers do not require an appointment, but you must call and register for the test.
Hair follicle drug testing is becoming a more popular method by employers and individuals in need of a drug test due to the detection time frame being longer than a standard urine test.
Local Hair follicle drug testing Burbank, IL centers are available to assist our clients throughout the entire process and all of our hair follicle drug testing Burbank, IL facilities have certified drug testing technicians available to conduct a hair follicle drug test collection.
Hair Follicle Drug Test
In recent years the method to conduct drug testing has more frequently included a hair follicle drug test. Many employers, courts and Substance Abuse Professionals are requiring a hair follicle drug test instead of a standard urine test. Hair follicle drug tests are used by employers who have zero-tolerance drug use policies, courts and individuals on probation. The primary benefit of a hair follicle drug test includes a much longer detection period for drug use which typically is up to 90 days. However, when screening drug use within the last 5 days the urine test continues to be the most accurate test.
Hair Follicle Drug Test Process
The procedure used to perform a hair follicle test is simple, the drug testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (not really a lot) utilize a chain of custody procedure and send the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. Drug testing centers require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform this test and the hair generally needs to come from the head, however if the donor does not have head hair certain testing centers can use hair from chest, leg or arm pit.
If a donor has no hair on their body, than a hair test cannot be performed!
Hair Follicle Drug Test Results
Once the hair follicles have been analyzed by a certified laboratory they will then be reviewed and then verified by a Medical Review Officer (licensed Physician) who will than release the results. Generally a negative hair follicle drug test result is available in 2-3 days. A non-negative hair follicle drug test is available in approximately 5 days.
Urine cut-off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or as a weight of drug per unit volume of urine. Hair cut-off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) or as a weight of drug per unit weight of hair
5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
5 Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel w/ expanded Opiates hair drug test screens for the standard 5 drugs but will also screen for Opiate class drugs such as pain killers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Marijuana
- Morphine
- Phencyclidine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- 6 AM- Heroine
10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 10 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 12 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
To schedule a Hair follicle Drug Testing Burbank, IL Call (800)221-4291.
Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is pleased to provide hair follicle drug testing, alcohol testing, occupational health and DNA testing services in Burbank, IL.
5660 W 95TH ST 1.4 miles
OAK LAWN, IL 60453
8755 S HARLEM AVE 1.6 miles
BRIDGEVIEW, IL 60455
6500 W 65TH ST 2.5 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60638
5015 W 65TH ST 2.7 miles
BEDFORD PARK, IL 60638
5533 W 109TH ST STE 103 3.3 miles
OAK LAWN, IL 60453
10837 S Cicero Ave Ste 310, 3.4 miles
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
3317 W 95TH ST LOWR LEVEL STE 5 3.7 miles
EVERGREEN PARK, IL 60805
4940 S CICERO AVE 3.9 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60638
5525 S PULASKI RD FL 3 4.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60629
9532 EAGLE WAY 4.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60678
7800 W College Dr, Room 1-W 4.9 miles
Palos Heights, IL 60463
12255 S 80TH AVE 5.5 miles
PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 60463
6170 JOLIET RD 5.8 miles
COUNTRYSIDE, IL 60525
1734 W 105TH ST 6.0 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60643
4800 W 129TH ST 6.2 miles
ALSIP, IL 60803
4742 CAL SAG RD 6.3 miles
CRESTWOOD, IL 60445
10242 S VINCENNES AVE 6.3 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60643
6555 WILLOW SPRINGS RD STE 6 6.4 miles
LA GRANGE HIGHLANDS, IL 60525
5709 S. Loomis Blvd 6.7 miles
Chicago, IL 60636
5101 WILLOW SPRINGS RD 7.3 miles
LA GRANGE, IL 60525
2310 York St Ste 4A 7.4 miles
Blue Island, IL 60406
125 N LA GRANGE RD 7.6 miles
LA GRANGE, IL 60525
5601 W CERMAK RD 7.7 miles
CICERO, IL 60804
12647 S JUSTINE ST 7.8 miles
CALUMET PARK, IL 60827
REMIT ONLY: DEPT 77-6478 7.8 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60678
75 REMITTANCE DR STE 1660 7.8 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60675
650 W 51ST ST 7.8 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60609
7222 W CERMAK RD 8.0 miles
NORTH RIVERSIDE, IL 60546
ONSITE ONLY 8.2 miles
WILLOWBROOK, IL 60527
3316 S ASHLAND AVE 8.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60608
12942 S CARPENTER ST 8.4 miles
CALUMET PARK, IL 60827
onsite for POH only 8.6 miles
ORLAND PARK, IL 60462
3145 S ASHLAND AVE STE 110 8.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60608
535 PLAINFIELD RD STE C 8.7 miles
WILLOWBROOK, IL 60527
14475 John Humphrey Dr Ste 100, 8.8 miles
Orland Park, IL 60462
6300 KINGERY HWY STE 404 9.0 miles
WILLOWBROOK, IL 60527
900 E 103RD ST 9.0 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60628
8751 S Greenwood Ave Ste 106, 9.0 miles
Chicago, IL 60619
5841 S MARYLAND AVE 9.1 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60637
40 S CLAY ST STE 100E 9.6 miles
HINSDALE, IL 60521
534 CHESTNUT ST, STE 230 9.7 miles
HINSDALE, IL 60521
610 S Maple Ave, Ste 5800 9.7 miles
Oak Park, IL 60304
413 S HARVEY AVE 9.8 miles
OAK PARK, IL 60302
2361 Reliable Parkway 9.8 miles
Chicago, IL 60686
2393 Reliable Parkway 9.8 miles
Chicago, IL 60686
2450 WOLF RD STE I 9.9 miles
WESTCHESTER, IL 60154
1974 E 73RD ST 10.1 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60649
16325 HARLEM AVE STE 110 10.1 miles
TINLEY PARK, IL 60477
2615 HARRISON ST 10.3 miles
BELLWOOD, IL 60104
2907 S WABASH AVE STE 100 10.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60616
3201 S WALLACE ST 10.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60616
9570 W 159TH ST STE A 10.5 miles
ORLAND PARK, IL 60467
2600 S Michigan Ave 10.5 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60616
7421 S CASS AVE 10.5 miles
DARIEN, IL 60561
835 S WOLCOTT AVE STE E144 10.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60612
2929 S ELLIS AVE 10.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60616
18W125 RODGERS CT 10.7 miles
DARIEN, IL 60561
537 N HARVEY AVE 10.8 miles
OAK PARK, IL 60302
15600 HONORE AVE 10.8 miles
HARVEY, IL 60426
16501 KEDZIE AVE 11.1 miles
MARKHAM, IL 60428
17148 HARLEM AVE 11.1 miles
TINLEY PARK, IL 60477
1225 W LAKE ST STE 101 11.2 miles
MELROSE PARK, IL 60160
1230 W LAKE ST 11.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60607
6701 159TH ST OCC HEALTH 11.6 miles
TINLEY PARK, IL 60477
600 W ADAMS ST 11.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60661
1044 N FRANCISCO AVE 11.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60622
811 S STATE ST STE B 11.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60605
614 W MONROE ST 11.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60661
1113 Fairview Ave, 11.8 miles
Westmont, IL 60559
7230 W NORTH AVE STE 106B 11.8 miles
ELMWOOD PARK, IL 60707
10737 W. 165TH STREET 11.8 miles
ORLAND PARK, IL 60467
311 N ABERDEEN ST STE 100B 11.8 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60607
300 W ADAMS ST STE 835 11.9 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60606
Fitness Department, 12.0 miles
Melrose Park, IL 60101
155 E BRUSH HILL RD 12.1 miles
ELMHURST, IL 60126
36 W RANDOLPH ST STE 705 12.2 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60601
1431 N Western Ave Ste 137, 12.4 miles
Chicago, IL 60622
1030 W CHICAGO AVE 12.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60642
55 E WASHINGTON ST STE 2500 12.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60602
111 N Wabash Ave Ste 1514, 12.4 miles
Chicago, IL 60602
18210 LA GRANGE RD STE 110 12.4 miles
TINLEY PARK, IL 60487
300 E RANDOLPH ST CL404 12.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60601
1520 N DAMEN AVE 12.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60622
2333 N HARLEM AVE STE 100 12.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60707
676 N SAINT CLAIR ST STE 900 12.9 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60611
219 W CHICAGO AVE 12.9 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60654
233 E ERIE ST STE 602 13.1 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60611
1983 N MANNHEIM RD 13.1 miles
MELROSE PARK, IL 60160
1460 N Halsted St Ste 201, 13.2 miles
Chicago, IL 60642
7530 WOODWARD AVE 13.5 miles
WOODRIDGE, IL 60517
16246 PRINCE DR 13.5 miles
SOUTH HOLLAND, IL 60473
7530 Woodward Ave. Suite G, 13.5 miles
Woodridge, IL 60517
14330 S WILL COOK RD 13.7 miles
HOMER GLEN, IL 60491
7107 W BELMONT AVE 13.8 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60634
2400 N. Ashland Ave Suite 100 13.8 miles
Chicago, IL 60614
1200 S YORK RD Center for Health 14.0 miles
ELMHURST, IL 60126
18665 DIXIE HWY 14.2 miles
HOMEWOOD, IL 60430
19070 EVERETT BLVD, UNIT 111 14.2 miles
MOKENA, IL 60448
19150 South Kedzie Avenue, Suite 101 14.3 miles
Flossmoor, IL 60422
10137 GRAND AVE 14.3 miles
FRANKLIN PARK, IL 60131
2340 S Highland Ave Ste 330, 14.4 miles
Lombard, IL 60148
3101 N HARLEM AVE LOWER LEVEL 14.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60634
3831 S HOHMAN AVE 14.6 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46327
19550 GOVERNORS HWY 14.8 miles
FLOSSMOOR, IL 60422
2868 N BROADWAY ST 14.9 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60657
1595 VALENCIA CT 14.9 miles
CALUMET CITY, IL 60409
2800 N Sheridan Rd Ste G1, 14.9 miles
Chicago, IL 60657
3000 N. Halsted, Suite 604 14.9 miles
Chicago, IL 60657
4126 N Milwaukee Ave, 14.9 miles
Chicago, IL 60641
565 N YORK ST 15.0 miles
ELMHURST, IL 60126
4211 N CICERO AVE 15.0 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60641
4020 S CALUMET AVE 15.1 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46320
533 W North Ave, LL Suite 50 15.1 miles
Elmhurst, IL 60126
4757 W MONTROSE AVE 15.3 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60641
PO BOX 63 15.3 miles
MOKENA, IL 60448
321 W LAKE ST STE C 15.3 miles
ELMHURST, IL 60126
5500 Hohman Ave Ste 1D 15.5 miles
Hammond, IN 46320
250 E MAPLE ST 15.6 miles
NEW LENOX, IL 60451
391 S BOLINGBROOK DR 15.8 miles
BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440
17665 Torrence Ave, 15.8 miles
Lansing, IL 60438
130 S MAIN ST 1ST FL IMMEDIATE CARE OCC HEALTH 15.9 miles
LOMBARD, IL 60148
130 N WEBER RD STE 108 16.0 miles
BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440
4200 MANNHEIM RD 16.0 miles
SCHILLER PARK, IL 60176
16221 W 159th St 16.0 miles
Lockport, IL 60441
813 SIBLEY ST 16.0 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46320
4830 N Cumberland Ave Ste 9 16.1 miles
Norridge, IL 60706
480 QUADRANGLE DR 16.1 miles
BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440
4900 N CUMBERLAND AVE 16.2 miles
NORRIDGE, IL 60706
639 W NORTH AVE 16.3 miles
VILLA PARK, IL 60181
129 W SAINT CHARLES RD 16.4 miles
LOMBARD, IL 60148
484 W Boughton Rd, 16.4 miles
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
2741 RIDGE RD 16.6 miles
LANSING, IL 60438
2741 RIDGE RD FL 2 16.6 miles
LANSING, IL 60438
875 ROOSEVELT RD STE 200 16.6 miles
GLEN ELLYN, IL 60137
6624 MONROE AVE 16.7 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46324
1010 165TH ST 17.0 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46324
7742 W HIGGINS RD 17.1 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60631
6423 COLUMBIA AVE UNIT A 17.1 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46320
4801 W Peterson Ave Ste 205, 17.3 miles
Chicago, IL 60646
1423 CHICAGO RD 17.5 miles
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411
5961 N LINCOLN AVE UNIT 2 17.6 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60659
1240 IL ROUTE 83 17.6 miles
BENSENVILLE, IL 60106
21035 S LA GRANGE RD 17.6 miles
FRANKFORT, IL 60423
30 E 15TH ST STE 100 17.6 miles
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL 60411
6191 N CANFIELD AVE 17.7 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60631
1190 S NAPER BLVD 17.8 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60540
2300 W PETERSON AVE 17.8 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60659
7905 CALUMET AVE 17.8 miles
MUNSTER, IN 46321
303 W LAKE ST 17.9 miles
ADDISON, IL 60101
O'Hare International Airport Terminal 2 17.9 miles
Chicago, IL 60666
1220 HOBSON RD STE 220 17.9 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60540
8135 S Calumet Ave 18.1 miles
Munster, IN 46321
4321 FIR ST STE 313 18.1 miles
EAST CHICAGO, IN 46312
1000 S HAMILTON ST 18.1 miles
LOCKPORT, IL 60441
621 E LINCOLN HWY 18.3 miles
NEW LENOX, IL 60451
6140 N BROADWAY ST 18.4 miles
CHICAGO, IL 60660
8840 CALUMET AVE, STE 204 18.7 miles
MUNSTER, IN 46321
2450 169TH ST 18.7 miles
HAMMOND, IN 46323
1020 E OGDEN AVE STE 208 18.9 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60563
1280 WINDHAM PKWY 19.0 miles
ROMEOVILLE, IL 60446
701 WINTHROP AVE 19.2 miles
GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139
3301 N Ashland 19.4 miles
Chicago, IL 60657
801 S WASHINGTON ST 19.4 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60540
640 S Washington St Ste 140, 19.6 miles
Naperville, IL 60540
1339 W LAKE ST 19.6 miles
ADDISON, IL 60101
8125 RIVER DR STE 102 19.9 miles
MORTON GROVE, IL 60053
726 S WEBER RD 20.0 miles
BOLINGBROOK, IL 60490
303 E Army Trail Rd, Ste 111 20.1 miles
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
211 E ARMY TRAIL RD 20.3 miles
BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108
273 E ARMY TRAIL RD 20.3 miles
BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108
7501 W 15TH AVE 20.5 miles
GARY, IN 46406
800 Austin St, East Tower Ste 457 20.5 miles
Evanston, IL 60202
2200 LANDMEIER RD STE 2200 20.8 miles
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007
6449 DEMPSTER ST 20.8 miles
MORTON GROVE, IL 60053
5404 W 25TH AVE STE107 20.9 miles
GARY, IN 46406
1600 Dempster St Ste 218, 21.1 miles
Park Ridge, IL 60068
24 JOLIET ST 21.2 miles
DYER, IN 46311
1830 JARVIS AVE 21.3 miles
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007
636 RAYMOND DR STE 102 21.5 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60563
3145 45TH ST STE F 21.6 miles
HIGHLAND, IN 46322
4519 W 5TH AVE 21.7 miles
GARY, IN 46406
4709 W. Golf, Suite 806 21.8 miles
Skokie, IL 60076
2272 W 95TH STREET, STE 100 21.8 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60564
1573 N CLINE AVE 21.8 miles
GRIFFITH, IN 46319
25711 S Egyptian Trail 21.9 miles
Monee, IL 60449
126 BIESTERFIELD RD 22.0 miles
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007
16101 WEBER RD 22.0 miles
CREST HILL, IL 60403
8630 W GOLF RD 22.1 miles
NILES, IL 60714
1 KRAFT CT 22.1 miles
GLENVIEW, IL 60025
113 W LAKE ST 22.1 miles
BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108
3360 LACROSSE LN STE 110 22.5 miles
NAPERVILLE, IL 60564
100 N RIVER RD 22.6 miles
DES PLAINES, IL 60016
1971 Gowdy Road 22.6 miles
Naperville, IL 60563
471 W Army Trail Rd Ste 101, 22.8 miles
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
245 S GARY AVE STE 101 22.8 miles
BLOOMINGDALE, IL 60108
1500 US HIGHWAY 41 22.9 miles
SCHERERVILLE, IN 46375
1060 S ELMHURST RD 22.9 miles
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056
800 N LARKIN AVE 23.1 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
24600 W 127TH ST 23.2 miles
PLAINFIELD, IL 60585
2000 GLENWOOD AVE 23.6 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
2306 ESSINGTON RD 23.6 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
2100 GLENWOOD AVE 23.7 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
2025 S CHICAGO ST 23.7 miles
JOLIET, IL 60436
2380 S ELMHURST RD 23.7 miles
MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056
310 N. Hammes Ave Ste 102, 23.7 miles
Joliet, IL 60435
330 MADISON ST STE B2 23.8 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
24600 W 127th St Ste 310, Building B 23.8 miles
Plainfield, IL 60585
333 MADISON ST 23.9 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
32 UNO CIR 24.0 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
1214 Brownwood Ste B 24.1 miles
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
1217 US HIGHWAY 41 24.1 miles
SCHERERVILLE, IN 46375
4100 HEALTHWAY DR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICEES 24.2 miles
AURORA, IL 60504
13246 S ROUTE 59 STE 106 24.2 miles
PLAINFIELD, IL 60585
3052 WEBER DR 24.3 miles
AURORA, IL 60502
1051 ESSINGTON RD STE 140 24.4 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
1375 E SCHAUMBURG RD 24.5 miles
SCHAUMBURG, IL 60194
750 ESSINGTON RD 24.6 miles
JOLIET, IL 60435
2591 Compass Rd Ste 110, 24.8 miles
Glenview, IL 60026
2601 COMPASS RD, STE 130 24.9 miles
GLENVIEW NAS, IL 60026
519 S ROSELLE RD 25.0 miles
SCHAUMBURG, IL 60193
2150 PFINGSTEN RD STE 3000 25.0 miles
GLENVIEW, IL 60026
2150 PFINGSTEN RD 25.0 miles
GLENVIEW, IL 60026
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Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Comprehensive Guide to Hair Follicle Drug Testing
Hair follicle drug testing is a sophisticated technique used to detect both illicit drug use and the misuse of prescription drugs over an extended period. This method of testing is favored for its ability to provide a detailed drug use history far beyond the capability of standard urine tests, which only capture drug use within days of consumption.
Understanding Hair Follicle Drug Testing
During a hair follicle drug test, a small sample of hair is collected, usually from the head. This sample is then analyzed to detect drug molecules and their metabolites that have been deposited into the hair from the bloodstream. Drugs that can be detected include but are not limited to cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamine.
Key Applications
- Workplace Compliance: Employers often implement hair follicle testing to maintain a drug-free work environment, especially in industries where safety is paramount.
- Legal Evidence: In the legal arena, these tests can provide compelling evidence in cases such as custody disputes or driving under the influence (DUI) incidents.
- Substance Abuse Monitoring: Rehabilitation centers may utilize hair tests to monitor individuals over time, ensuring adherence to treatment programs.
Benefits of Hair Follicle Drug Testing
- Extended Window of Detection: Unlike other tests, hair follicle testing can detect drug use up to 90 days back, offering a long-range view into an individual's drug history.
- Low Risk of Tampering: Since hair samples are collected directly and observed, the risk of sample tampering is significantly reduced compared to other forms of testing.
- Less Invasive: Collecting hair is far less intrusive compared to blood tests, making it more comfortable for the individual being tested.
Limitations to Consider
Despite its advantages, hair follicle testing isn't without its challenges:
- Rate of Hair Growth: Variations in hair growth rates can affect the detection period, slightly complicating the interpretation of results.
- Environmental Contamination: In rare cases, drugs can be externally deposited onto the hair, although rigorous washing protocols before testing help mitigate this issue.
- Cultural Sensitivity: The need for a hair sample can pose dilemmas for individuals with cultural or religious practices affecting their hair.
Hair follicle drug testing stands out as a reliable method for analyzing long-term drug use. Its application spans various fields from corporate environments to legal settings, making it an indispensable tool for ensuring safety and compliance with drug policies.