In Albertville, Alabama, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle testing services. With expertise in drug and alcohol hair tests, we have facilities nationwide capable of performing these tests. Typically, you'll need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body, which can be tested for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored screening options.
Lately, hair follicle tests have become more prominent for drug screenings, often replacing traditional urine tests. These tests, favored by employers, courts, and substance abuse specialists, extend the detection period for up to 90 days, making tampering nearly impossible. Yet, for recent use within 5 days, urine tests still offer supreme accuracy.
* 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 testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by preserving biomarkers within the strands. When sampled near the scalp, it offers a detection period of about 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the apt quantity for testing. For EtG, add-ons, or above 10-panel tests, 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If there’s no scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" implies scalp hair specifically, whereas "body hair" indicates all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key phases in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the preliminary processing of a sample in the lab’s system: verifying its proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial assessment for drug substances. Although economical for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
In case of a positive Screening result, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations compared to other tests like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening notably complex.
Positive Screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples go through necessary washing. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation falls under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the scalp follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Albertville, AL
Hair follicle testing excels over urine tests by offering wider detection windows and higher accuracy. Albertville employers and authorities who require comprehensive drug testing will find hair analysis superior for detecting long-term substance use. The minimal cheating potential and extended detection period make it ideal for strict compliance requirements.
Extended Detection Window in Albertville, AL
In Albertville, hair follicle tests provide a competitive edge with a 90-day detection window. Employers benefit from an extensive picture of an individual’s substance history, beyond the mere days offered by urine tests. This extensive timeframe empowers informed decisions based on a more complete record of drug or alcohol use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Albertville, AL
Hair follicle testing in Albertville stands out as a robust method against tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis detects substances directly incorporated into the hair shaft, making adulteration attempts futile. This reassurance in testing integrity ensures results that withstand scrutiny from both legal and workplace perspectives.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Albertville, AL
Benefit from the seamless accessibility of hair follicle testing across Albertville, supported by a nationwide network. Residents find arrangements convenient, ensuring effortless access to testing. This wide-reaching availability means accommodating tight schedules while delivering reliable services close to home.
Simple, Confidential Process in Albertville, AL
In Albertville, undertaking a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. The process from order to results is designed to maintain confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns. This streamlined approach empowers individuals and businesses to confidently take tests without fear of privacy invasion or complex procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Albertville, AL
Albertville businesses receive excellent value with competitive pricing in hair follicle testing. Quick turnaround times enhance the testing experience, delivering results promptly without compromising quality. Such cost-effectiveness ensures businesses, both big and small, can implement robust drug policies affordably.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Albertville, AL
Albertville residents can count on hair follicle testing for rapid and precise outcomes. These tests boast remarkable accuracy in detecting trace amounts of substances. As a result, individuals and employers alike gain confidence in the reliability of each test, knowing that both new and chronic substance use is identified efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Albertville, AL
Albertville employers achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal and safety risks. Employers benefit from a trustworthy process that upholds policy standards, allowing for a more secure and productive working environment.
