Offering comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Lower Kalskag, Alaska, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in both hair and alcohol testing. With centers spread across the entire country, we can facilitate hair testing everywhere. Typically requiring 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body, our tests can check for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or provide other custom options.
Recently, drug testing methods increasingly include hair follicle testing. More employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals are opting for hair drug tests over standard urine tests. Organizations with zero-tolerance policies toward drug use find hair follicle tests beneficial due to the longer detection period up to 90 days, secure collection, and resistance to cheating. For detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain most 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.
Seeing widespread use, hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair may offer a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches includes around 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, amounting to 100 mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For assessments like EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150 mg of the specimen. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing specimens. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types like facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results typically involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The initial phase, Accessioning, involves integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial, rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to negate drug presence in most samples, a positive result from screening necessitates confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction preparation. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing poses more challenges than other methodologies.
Any positive screening results undergo verification through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Beats Urine: Comparing hair follicle and urine tests in Lower Kalskag, AK, the former stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which provide a shorter detection window, hair tests unveil substance use over extended periods, offering more reliability. This accuracy fortifies zero-tolerance policies, making them a preferred choice for many employers and individuals seeking comprehensive insights.
Extensive Detection Window: In Lower Kalskag, AK, hair follicle tests detect drug use up to 90 days past, providing employers a thorough review of an individual's substance history. This elongated detection window surpasses traditional methods like urine testing, which only reflects recent use, granting employers a broader understanding of an applicant or employee's behavior over time.
Secure Testing Method: In Lower Kalskag, AK, hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant characteristics. The stringent collection process and inherent resistance to manipulation make these tests trustworthy. This level of security provides peace of mind, ensuring the results remain authentic and reflect true substance use without the risk of adulterated samples.
Testing Location Convenience: In Lower Kalskag, AK, the availability of extensive nationwide testing centers ensures quick and accessible services. This widespread network simplifies the testing process, offering ease and comfort to those seeking reliable drug testing. Clients benefit from the hassle-free access to compliant and efficient testing locations, ensuring stress-free testing.
Simplified and Private Process: In Lower Kalskag, AK, hair follicle testing offers a straightforward, confidential process for ordering and obtaining results. This approach protects privacy while promoting ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding discretion. The uncomplicated steps from test ordering to result receipt ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
Cost-Effective and Prompt: Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Lower Kalskag, AK, hair follicle testing delivers great value. This affordability, coupled with quick result delivery, provides agencies and businesses of all sizes peace of mind. The blend of cost efficiency and speed ensures a superior service at excellent value.
Accurate and Swift: In Lower Kalskag, AK, our hair follicle drug tests deliver precise results swiftly, making them an ideal choice for detecting substance use efficiently. With minimal delay between sample collection and result delivery, the process outpaces traditional methods in both speed and accuracy. The high reliability ensures confidence in the outcomes for any test administered.
Employer Compliance and Assurance: Hair follicle testing in Lower Kalskag, AK, supports employers in adhering to drug-free policies, minimizing legal challenges. This reliability enhances workplace safety and compliance, providing peace of mind. The assurance of a drug-free environment is bolstered through precise, extensive detection, laying the foundation for secure and productive workplaces.
