In Cordova, Alabama, Accredited Drug Testing offers hair follicle testing solutions for drugs and alcohol. Our expertise in hair testing spans nationwide, with centers available in every state, which can conduct these tests. A length of 1.5 to 2 inches on the head or body hair is typically necessary for sampling. Hair tests are applicable for detecting drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized scenarios.
The utilization of hair follicle testing for drug detection has gained momentum recently. Employers maintaining strict drug policies, legal authorities, and treatment experts often prefer hair tests to urine ones. This is due to hair tests offering a longer 90-day detection window, being more secure against tampering, and providing reliable results. However, when aiming to detect very recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain highly effective.
* 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 has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of these substances due to the entrapment of biomarkers within its strands. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reflect a detection timeframe of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests beyond ten panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, the same weight of body hair is an alternative. When we refer to head hair, it means scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other hair variations (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory system, confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, if a positive result appears, confirmation is required for legal admissibility. Any sample testing positive in Screening needs further validation.
If a sample results in a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are taken from hair at concentrations lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine, saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive screen occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair testing in Cordova, AL, offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine samples, hair follicle testing provides enhanced accuracy in detection. Its ability to reveal drug usage over an extended period is unparalleled, preventing potential distortions common in urine tests.
Moreover, this method is less prone to tampering due to the collection process, ensuring reliable results. The extended window of detection allows for a more comprehensive review of an individual's history, making it superior for those requiring stringent assessment.
The ability of hair follicle testing to cover a 90-day detection window is a key advantage for employers in Cordova, AL. By utilizing hair samples, employers can achieve an extensive overview of an applicant or employee’s drug use history, which is invaluable for making informed decisions.
This comprehensive detection period helps organizations identify patterns of drug use that might not be evident through shorter-term testing methods like urine tests. Thus, it effectively aids in maintaining a safer and more productive workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing is a robust anti-tampering solution in Cordova, AL. The testing process is designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are trustworthy and difficult to challenge. This high level of security offers reassurance to employers and testing authorities alike.
The confidence that results are genuine and not compromised by external manipulation makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice over traditional methods. This, in turn, ensures stringent compliance and authenticity.
Cordova, AL, benefits from our expansive network of testing facilities. Our nationwide and local centers offer convenient access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring a quick and efficient testing process. This wide availability simplifies the logistics for organizations and individuals needing prompt testing solutions.
The ease of locating a nearby facility minimizes travel time, allowing for a seamless experience. This accessibility ensures that testing is not only reliable but also hassle-free.
In Cordova, AL, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to results, each step is designed to prioritize privacy and ease of use. By streamlining the testing procedure, potential concerns about confidentiality are effectively addressed.
This straightforward process ensures that individuals and employers alike can engage in testing without unnecessary complications. The focus on simplicity and discretion helps maintain confidence and satisfaction throughout the testing experience.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround time, our hair follicle testing services in Cordova, AL, provide exceptional value. Competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effectiveness for companies of all sizes, promoting accessibility to high-quality testing solutions.
Coupled with fast results, this affordability contributes to effective decision-making and planning. Employers can rely on prompt data, enabling them to maintain proactive and informed management strategies.
In Cordova, AL, hair follicle tests are renowned for their speed and precision. This method provides rapid results while maintaining high accuracy in substance detection. The ability to swiftly and reliably identify substance use ensures confidence in the outcome, making it a valuable tool for various testing needs.
The detection capability of these tests also extends beyond common measures, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive results that they can trust. This completeness in testing procedures provides an edge over other methods, solidifying its reliability and precision.
For employers in Cordova, AL, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By implementing this method, organizations significantly reduce legal liabilities and enhance overall workplace safety. This protective measure contributes to a more secure and harmonious work environment.
The assurance provided by hair testing also translates into peace of mind for employers, fostering a culture of trust and accountability. This comprehensive approach supports stronger adherence to compliance regulations and workplace standards.
