Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Semmes, Alabama. If you require a hair drug or alcohol screening, Accredited Drug Testing is a specialist in hair analyses, with testing centers available in every city across the nation to conduct hair tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is required and can be used to test for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair testing options.
Recently, adopting hair follicle drug testing has become more prevalent in drug screening methods. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer hair drug tests over standard urine analyses. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and probationary individuals favor these tests. The chief advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a longer period, usually up to 90 days, collected under direct observation, making it exceedingly difficult to manipulate. Nevertheless, for detecting drug use in the past 5 days, urine tests remain the most precise option.
* 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 gained recognition as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing stage where the sample is entered into a laboratory’s system. It includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data that isn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, positive screens must be validated to hold up in court. Any samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a confirmatory follow-up.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
In Semmes, AL, hair follicle tests demonstrate distinct advantages over urine tests. While traditional urine tests offer detection for recent substance use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive view of usage over time. The superior detection capabilities of hair testing make it invaluable for employers and institutions wanting to maintain safety and compliance, enhancing overall reliability in drug testing methods.
Employers in Semmes, AL benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. With the ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, this method gives a clear picture of an individual’s substance history. This detection period provides employers a vital tool for thorough evaluation, helping in assessing the long-term reliability and trustworthiness of potential or current employees.
Hair follicle testing in Semmes, AL significantly limits the chances for tampering, ensuring unquestionable results. Compared to other methods, this form of testing is tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of sample manipulation. Consequently, employers and agencies can trust that the results accurately reflect an individual’s drug use history, offering peace of mind and confidence in the screening process.
Our testing centers in Semmes, AL, and nationwide facilitate convenient access to hair follicle testing services. With a broad network of locations, individuals and businesses can easily find a center nearby, ensuring a quick and hassle-free testing experience. This availability guarantees that all testing needs are met with efficiency and minimal inconvenience.
The process of ordering and completing hair follicle testing in Semmes, AL is designed to be simple and confidential. From scheduling the test to receiving the results, every step is managed with your privacy in mind. This streamlined process eliminates concerns about privacy issues and ease of access, making drug testing straightforward and stress-free for all parties involved.
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle testing services in Semmes, AL provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, our affordable solutions ensure that companies receive quick results without compromising on quality. This allows organizations to make timely and well-informed decisions while keeping costs manageable and predictable.
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their rapid and accurate results in Semmes, AL. Precision is a key feature, as these tests are able to efficiently identify substance usage with high accuracy. The speed in providing results ensures that necessary actions can be taken promptly. This makes hair testing a reliable choice for employers and professionals seeking efficient drug screening solutions.
For employers in Semmes, AL, hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method of testing ensures compliance with regulations, mitigating potential legal risks. Additionally, it promotes workplace safety by providing accurate screening, allowing companies to maintain a safe and productive environment, creating peace of mind for both employers and employees alike.