Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cardiff, AL

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

31 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Cardiff

Minutes Away, Test Today

1664 Forestdale Blvd5.62 miles

1664 Forestdale Blvd
Birmingham, AL 35214

919 Odum Rd6.05 miles

919 Odum Rd
Gardendale, AL 35071

2244 North Rd6.65 miles

2244 North Rd
Gardendale, AL 35071

3001 27th St N9.30 miles

3001 27th St N
Birmingham, AL 35207

920 S 18th St Ste B9.64 miles

920 S 18th St Ste B
Birmingham, AL 35205

2038 Springdale Ln10.16 miles

2038 Springdale Ln
Birmingham, AL 35217

701 Princeton Ave Sw11.31 miles

701 Princeton Ave Sw
Birmingham, AL 35211

833 Princeton Ave Sw11.34 miles

833 Princeton Ave Sw
Birmingham, AL 35211

1500 4th Ave S12.03 miles

1500 4th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35233

6554 Aaron Aronov Dr12.08 miles

6554 Aaron Aronov Dr
Fairfield, AL 35064

2124 4th Ave S12.08 miles

2124 4th Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35233

616 9th St S12.16 miles

616 9th St S
Birmingham, AL 35233

3221 3rd Ave S12.25 miles

3221 3rd Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35222

1201 11th Ave S Ste 10012.68 miles

1201 11th Ave S Ste 100
Birmingham, AL 35205

2700 10th Ave S Bldg 2 Ste 10312.69 miles

2700 10th Ave S Bldg 2 Ste 103
Birmingham, AL 35205

2757 Green Springs Hwy13.63 miles

2757 Green Springs Hwy
Birmingham, AL 35209

9232 Parkway E13.87 miles

9232 Parkway E
Birmingham, AL 35206

1919 28th Ave S Ste 12314.11 miles

1919 28th Ave S Ste 123
Homewood, AL 35209

800 Montclair Rd14.32 miles

800 Montclair Rd
Birmingham, AL 35213

4360 Main St14.55 miles

4360 Main St
Pinson, AL 35126

7 Office Park Cir14.91 miles

7 Office Park Cir
Mountain Brook, AL 35223

1 W Lakeshore Dr Ste 30115.12 miles

1 W Lakeshore Dr Ste 301
Birmingham, AL 35209

110 Oxmoor Ct15.14 miles

110 Oxmoor Ct
Birmingham, AL 35209

721 Gadsden Hwy15.23 miles

721 Gadsden Hwy
Birmingham, AL 35235

2018 Brookwood Medical Center Dr Ste G215.46 miles

2018 Brookwood Medical Center Dr Ste G2
Birmingham, AL 35209

513 Brookwood Blvd, Suite 506, Brookwood Medical Plaza15.53 miles

513 Brookwood Blvd, Suite 506, Brookwood Medical Plaza
Birmingham, AL 35209

200 Montgomery Hwy Ste 10015.71 miles

200 Montgomery Hwy Ste 100
Vestavia, AL 35216

48 Medical Park Dr Ste 25015.91 miles

48 Medical Park Dr Ste 250
Birmingham, AL 35235

5892 Trussville Crossing Pkwy16.33 miles

5892 Trussville Crossing Pkwy
Birmingham, AL 35235

1360 Montgomery Hwy Ste 11417.18 miles

1360 Montgomery Hwy Ste 114
Vestavia, AL 35216

5569 Grove Blvd Ste 12117.82 miles

5569 Grove Blvd Ste 121
Hoover, AL 35226

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug examinations in Cardiff, Alabama. Whether you need a hair-based test for drugs or alcohol, Accredited Drug Testing excels in this methodology, with facilities across all cities nationally capable of conducting these tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is needed. Hair specimens can be assessed for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or various other tailored testing options.

Recently, drug testing approaches have increasingly incorporated hair follicle analysis. More employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts mandate hair-based drug tests over the traditional urine analysis. Organizations with strict anti-drug policies, judicial entities, and those on probation rely on hair follicle testing. The main advantage is its longer detection span, often reaching up to 90 days, collected under observation, making deception exceedingly difficult. Nevertheless, for detecting recent drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the optimal choice.

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use. Hair strands offer a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair's fibers. Samples taken near the scalp allow for approximately a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, resists tampering, and facilitates easy shipping.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands, comparable in width to a #2 pencil, equals 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, or screenings above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is lacking, body hair of an equal amount can be collected instead. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The lab handling of a drug test involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is about integrating a sample into a lab’s system for initial treatment. This entails checking the sample’s seal and shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not accounted for by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for discounting drug use in most samples, any positive screening needs verification to be court-admissible. Samples presumed positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.

In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening highly challenging to perform.

Confirmation of any positive results from screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed as required before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
  • Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is notably difficult, thus enhancing the accuracy of its results.
  • Historical overview: It provides insight into drug consumption patterns over time, rather than only recent usage.

Limitations:

  • Unable to detect recent consumption: Detection in hair requires approximately 5-7 days post-drug use.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other testing methods.
  • Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests assess the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Cardiff, AL, hair testing stands superior to traditional urine testing by providing longer detection periods and more accurate results. While urine tests are common, hair analysis offers enhanced reliability due to its extended detection window, making it harder to evade detection.

The benefits of hair testing, such as longer detection time and lower susceptibility to tampering, outshine urine tests. This advantage is critical for employers, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies.

Extended Detection Window

In Cardiff, AL, hair follicle testing is acclaimed for its capacity to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This broader window provides employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance background, beyond what traditional tests offer.

The extended detection timeline is invaluable in providing a clear and comprehensive profile of drug use history, enabling informed decisions for potential hires or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Cardiff, AL, offers a tamper-resistant method that significantly reduces the odds of sample adulteration. This technology delivers results that are both reliable and unquestionable.

The robustness of hair testing lies in its immunity to common tampering tactics, ensuring that the findings remain true and dependable. This invulnerability enhances trust in the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Cardiff, AL, our hair testing services are accessible and customer-friendly. Ensuring hassle-free access to our facilities, we streamline the testing process for efficiency.

Nationwide availability means clients benefit from quick and easy testing experiences, minimizing disruptions. Local options assure swift service while retaining the quality, ensuring satisfaction.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing in Cardiff, AL, offers a simple and confidential process for ordering and receiving hair follicle test results. Clients can rely on our commitment to privacy and ease, making the testing experience seamless.

From ordering to obtaining results, every step prioritizes discretion and user-friendliness, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a straightforward process for all parties involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Cardiff, AL, boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround, delivering exceptional value. We cater to companies of all sizes, emphasizing quick and efficient service.

By implementing competitive pricing structures, we assure our clients of excellent value, while swift results boost confidence in decision-making, enhancing overall satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Cardiff, AL, are renowned for their precision and speed. This testing method boasts high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering quick results for peace of mind.

The rapid turnaround of hair follicle tests ensures timely decision-making for employers and individuals alike. By leveraging this testing's unparalleled precision, avoided guesswork, and ensured reliable outcomes are achievable.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Cardiff, AL, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, providing a sense of peace and security. Implementing this method reduces the legal risks associated with drug use while promoting a safer work environment.

By choosing hair testing, businesses adhere to regulatory standards, minimizing liabilities and focusing on cultivating a drug-free workplace, undisturbed by potential substance-related incidents.

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Sweet and helpful

Trish was amazing and got me through the sytem very fast and swift. I had a hard time hearing her a couple of times, but she was super sweet and helpful throughout the process. Highly recommend her!

Sophia Schutze - 6/19/2024

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Quick, knowledgeable and courteous Janelle worked diligently to support me. I am recommending their services to anyone looking.

Greensboro Joseph - 11/19/2024

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

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