Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Cahaba Heights, Alabama. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol analysis, our expertise lies in hair testing, with facilities available across all cities nationwide. Most tests need at least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown area or body. Hair analysis includes drugs, alcohol/ETG, and various customized options.
Recently, drug testing methodologies have increasingly incorporated hair follicle tests. Being favored by many employers, legal systems, and substance abuse counselors, hair tests are often preferred over traditional urine tests. Employers preferring zero-tolerance approaches, court orders, and probationary requirements find hair tests beneficial. They offer 90-day detection, observed collection, and are virtually tamper-proof. However, urine tests remain more accurate for recent drug usage within the past 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 has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within the strands as it grows, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and substance use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reflect a usage timeline extending roughly up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair harvesting is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample consisting of a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil in thickness) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an alternative. The term "head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" encompasses all non-scalp hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages of the lab procedure for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary integration of a specimen into a lab's system. It checks that the sample was securely sealed, correctly shipped, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a rapid preliminary assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening is an economical method of excluding drug use for most samples, a positive outcome must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive outcome in Screening undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples showing a positive indication in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, drugs are separated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of any positive result derived from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often mislabeled as "hair follicle tests," this examination focuses on analyzing the hair strand rather than the hair follicle found beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Cahaba Heights, AL, hair testing showcases superior detection for long-term substance use. Its higher accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice over typical urine tests. Employers can make informed decisions thanks to this precise testing method.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Cahaba Heights, AL, is its extended detection period. Spanning up to 90 days, it offers employers a broader view of an individual’s substance use history, thereby ensuring a thorough evaluation of their applicants or employees.
Hair follicle tests in Cahaba Heights, AL, significantly lower the risk of sample manipulation. With a process that provides reliable results, employers and authorities can have assurance in the integrity of the testing outcome, making it a trustworthy method against tampering.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide and locally in Cahaba Heights, AL. This accessibility ensures clients can quickly access services without hassle, reinforcing our commitment to providing efficient and facilitated testing experiences everywhere.
The hair follicle testing process in Cahaba Heights, AL, is designed to be simple and confidential. From order to result, it addresses privacy concerns and ease of use, ensuring that clients receive a seamless experience throughout the testing journey.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Cahaba Heights, AL, ensure excellent value for companies. Regardless of size, businesses benefit from affordable testing solutions that offer peace of mind with cost-effective, timely reports.
In Cahaba Heights, AL, the hair follicle test stands out with its speed and accuracy in detecting drug use. The test's quick turn around and high precision ensure results are delivered efficiently without sacrificing reliability. Clients can trust the effectiveness of this method, setting it apart from other forms of drug testing.
Choosing hair follicle testing in Cahaba Heights, AL, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces potential legal risks and enhances safety, offering peace of mind through reliable testing processes that align with compliance requirements.