In Barton, Alabama, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug screenings. Whether for drugs or alcohol, our expertise in hair testing is unparalleled, with locations in cities across the nation ready to conduct these tests. Typically, hair samples require 1.5 to 2 inches from the scalp or body. Our tests can be tailored for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized analyses.
Over the last few years, hair follicle tests have increasingly become the standard for drug screening. They're favored by employers, courts, and substance abuse experts over traditional urine tests. These tests are particularly popular among employers with strict drug-free policies, the judiciary, and individuals on probation. A key advantage of hair testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, which is nearly impossible to falsify. For recent drug use within a 5-day window, urine tests remain the most reliable.
* 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.
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to uncover drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain long-term markers of substances by embedding specific indicators within their fibers. When clipped near the scalp, such hair can potentially reflect substance use over roughly a three-month period. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, tampering with samples is challenging, and transporting them is uncomplicated.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) gathered near the scalp will yield 100mg—this amount is optimal for initial checks and validations. For EtG, supplementary tests, and screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is missing, a similar quantity of body hair can be used as an alternative. “Head hair” implies exclusively scalp hair. “Body hair” encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, armpit).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails initially integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This phase confirms the sample's secure sealing and proper shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry missing in the electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substance presence. Although Screening is a budget-friendly tactic to negate drug consumption for most samples, a positive outcome must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening undergo further confirmation testing.
Presumptively positive samples in Screening advance to Extraction using more of the original sample. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower levels here than seen in methodologies like urine or saliva testing, underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation tests on samples previously yielding positive results in Screening are performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples suspected positive are washed if needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation requirements.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed “hair follicle tests”, this procedure actually examines the hair shaft and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Barton, AL
In Barton, AL, hair testing offers superior reliability compared to urine tests, especially in the context of accuracy. Urine tests can be less dependable because they're easier to tamper with, whereas hair tests offer robust resistance to falsification, ensuring honest results.
Additionally, hair follicle tests detect drug use for an extended period, giving a more comprehensive picture. This extra precision aids employers and institutions in maintaining drug-free environments effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Barton, AL
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing in Barton, AL, lies in its extended detection window, able to trace substance use up to 90 days. This longer timeframe allows employers to gain deeper insight into an individual’s substance history.
For employers, this extended detection capability offers a broader understanding of an applicant's or employee's behavior, going beyond the short term to provide a complete historical perspective.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Barton, AL
Hair follicle testing is known for its robust resistance to adulteration, making it a reliable choice for organizations in Barton, AL. Unlike some other tests, the integrity of hair samples is challenging to compromise.
This tamper-proof nature ensures that the results are trustworthy and valid. Employers can have confidence that the findings reflect the actual substance use without risk of manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Barton, AL
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including local facilities in Barton, AL, ensures that accessing our services is straightforward and stress-free. This expansive presence allows for quick and simple testing.
Clients benefit from the convenience of our well-distributed locations, ensuring that drug testing requirements are met without hassle, whenever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Barton, AL
The process for hair follicle testing in Barton, AL, is both simple and discreet, from scheduling a test to receiving results. Our streamlined approach ensures ease while upholding the highest standards of privacy.
Clients can trust that their information is handled with confidentiality, providing a comfortable experience without fear of exposure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Barton, AL
At our facilities in Barton, AL, we offer competitive pricing structures combined with rapid turnaround times. This excellence in value ensures that organizations of any size can utilize our testing services without straying from their budgets.
By providing quick yet affordable testing, we enhance our clients' peace of mind, emphasizing that they do not have to compromise on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Barton, AL
When it comes to drug detection in Barton, AL, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision. Unlike traditional methods, this test offers a high degree of accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both dependable and prompt.
The advanced technology used in hair follicle testing delivers rapid results without compromising on reliability. Employers can trust the data to make informed decisions, knowing they receive fast yet thorough analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Barton, AL
In Barton, AL, hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. With its reliable results, it minimizes potential legal risks associated with non-compliance and aids in maintaining a safe working environment.
The assurance of accurate testing brings peace of mind to employers, knowing that they are observing regulatory standards and promoting safety in their workforce effectively.