Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Malcolm, Alabama. If hair drug or alcohol testing is required, Accredited Drug Testing focuses on hair analysis with facilities throughout the country, ready to conduct the tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair are necessary from either the head or body. Hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other bespoke hair testing protocols.
Recently, hair follicle drug assessments have increasingly become the method of choice for drug testing. Employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse experts favor hair testing over urine samples. Hair follicle tests serve companies with strict anti-drug policies, courts, and those on probation well. They provide a longer detection window, usually up to 90 days, are collected under observation, and are nearly tamper-proof. Urine tests, however, remain most accurate for recent use 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 method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers extended historical data on alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can show up to an estimated 3-month window of alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp supplies 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. In discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial sample handling within a laboratory’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was adequately sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-saving method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need further Confirmation.
If results are positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the main sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the actual hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Malcolm, AL
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and accuracy. This allows for an in-depth evaluation of an individual's substance history, enhancing trustworthiness and decision-making for employers seeking reliable drug screening solutions.
Extended Detection Window in Malcolm, AL
Hair follicle testing offers a prolonged detection timeframe, up to 90 days, giving employers valuable insights into a potential or current employee's substance use history. This extended window ensures a comprehensive understanding of any long-term drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Malcolm, AL
Hair follicle tests minimize the chance of tampering, offering reliable results. By utilizing this method, the risks associated with sample adulteration are significantly decreased, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Malcolm, AL
Our widespread testing centers ensure convenient access to drug testing services in Malcolm, AL. This widespread availability allows for quick, seamless, and stress-free testing experiences for all clients involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Malcolm, AL
Our drug testing procedures are straightforward and protect privacy. They facilitate easy ordering, sample collection, and result retrieval, ensuring confidentiality while addressing any privacy concerns that individuals may have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Malcolm, AL
We offer competitive pricing and quick results, providing excellent value. Our services are accommodating for companies of all sizes, promoting peace of mind with cost-effective and swift drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Malcolm, AL
Hair follicle drug tests in Malcolm, AL, boast precision and speed, making them top choice for reliable detection of substance use. This method delivers high accuracy and efficient results, ensuring dependability in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Malcolm, AL
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps employers adhere to drug-free policies, reducing potential legal issues. It enhances workplace safety and ensures a compliant, trustworthy environment, bringing peace of mind to business operators.