In Gulf Shores, Alabama, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Whether a hair drug or alcohol test is needed, we are experts in hair analysis and operate testing centers nationwide. Typically, hair samples require 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, which can be taken from the crown or body in certain situations. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for other testing purposes.
Recently, the approach to drug testing has increasingly involved hair follicle assessments. Many businesses, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists now prefer these tests over the standard urine analysis. Employers with strict drug-free policies, courts, and probationary programs utilize hair follicle tests due to their primary advantage: an extended detection timeframe of up to 90 days, observed sample collection, and resistance to tampering. However, for detecting very recent usage, the urine test remains most precise within a five-day scope.
* 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 recognized as an effective means for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft, hair records extensive drug and alcohol use history. When extracted near the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG add-ons and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equal quantity of body hair may be obtained. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process comprises four vital steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial introduction of a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This step includes verifying the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substance misuse. Though it is a cost-efficient approach to rule out drug presence in many samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal matters. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo additional validation.
If Screening results suggest positivity, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen for Extraction. Drugs, during this phase, are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening as a methodology.
To confirm any preliminary positive outcomes, testing with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS procedures occurs. All samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug evaluation:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the process examines the hair shaft and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is preferred over urine testing in Gulf Shores, AL, as it offers superior detection capabilities and accuracy. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a much longer window of detection, enabling the identification of substance use over days and months rather than just weeks. This extended timeframe is critical for employers aiming for thorough insight into an individual's drug history.
In Gulf Shores, AL, hair follicle tests detect drug use over a significantly extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window allows employers and individuals to assess historical substance use, offering a broader perspective on an individual's behavior. The lasting detection capability makes hair testing an invaluable tool for those seeking detailed analysis of drug history.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Gulf Shores, AL, stands out due to its tamper-resistant methodology. Unlike other testing methods, hair samples are resistant to adulteration or substitution, ensuring that results are reliable and difficult to falsify. This robustness is crucial for retaining the trustworthiness and accuracy of drug testing programs.
With locations throughout Gulf Shores, AL, and nationwide, our testing centers provide ease of access and convenience. Individuals and employers benefit from the hassle-free testing process, facilitated by Accredited Drug Testing. Our widespread network ensures testing is prompt and accessible, supporting varied needs across different regions.
The drug testing process in Gulf Shores, AL, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, collecting, and receiving test results are conducted discreetly, ensuring user privacy and confidentiality at every step. This simple process addresses concerns related to privacy, making it user-friendly and secure for all involved parties.
Our competitive pricing structures in Gulf Shores, AL, ensure that hair follicle testing is both affordable and efficient. With fast turnaround times and cost-effective solutions, organizations of all sizes can benefit from reliable drug testing services. The value provided supports employers in maintaining safe and compliant work environments.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Gulf Shores, AL, are unmatched. These tests offer highly accurate detection capabilities for a wide range of substances. With quick turnaround times, individuals and employers can rely on timely results that confidently reflect substance use patterns. The efficiency of these tests is ideal for environments requiring rapid yet reliable drug screening.
Hair follicle testing in Gulf Shores, AL, offers employers peace of mind by bolstering compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances safety standards within the workplace. Employers can be confident the comprehensive drug history assessments provided will support healthier, more productive work environments.
