In Palmer, Alaska, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Whether you require a test for drugs or alcohol, we specialize in hair analysis and have testing centers throughout the country to facilitate hair tests. For most tests, you need to have 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body. Hair samples can be evaluated for drug and alcohol use or other specific testing needs.
Recently, drug testing methods have increasingly included hair follicle analysis. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts often favor hair tests over conventional urine tests. These tests are favored for their zero-tolerance effectiveness in workplaces, legal environments, and probation settings. A significant advantage of hair testing is its extended detection capability, revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, with a collection process that minimizes tampering. For detection within the last 5 days, urine tests remain the most accurate choice.
* 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 application of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of such substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the continuously growing hair strand. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can offer a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a standard #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen weight. In cases where scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When referencing head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step involves ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any required data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial, expedited analysis for substances typically abused. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive indication necessitates further confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples showing presumptive positive results during Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drug substances are extracted from hair in lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug screening presents the greatest methodological challenge.
Any positive results found during Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the frequent reference as "hair follicle tests", the actual assessment examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palmer, AK
Hair testing excels over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can trace drug use over a more extended period, providing a comprehensive overview of substance use history. This makes it an invaluable tool for companies and authorities prioritizing thoroughness and accuracy.
Extended Detection Window in Palmer, AK
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended detection period offers employers deeper insights into an employee's substance use history, enabling informed decisions and fostering a safer workplace environment in Palmer, AK.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palmer, AK
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the potential for sample adulteration, delivering credible and uncontestable results. In Palmer, AK, this makes them an essential tool for those seeking dependability and integrity in drug testing methodologies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Palmer, AK
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide simplifies access to testing services for clients in Palmer, AK. This accessibility ensures that obtaining a drug test is a quick, effortless, and straightforward process, accommodating the needs of both local and nationwide clients seamlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palmer, AK
In Palmer, AK, the process of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is designed to be both simple and confidential. Our approach prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns related to the confidentiality and simplicity of the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palmer, AK
Our pricing structures are competitive, ensuring affordability for companies of all sizes in Palmer, AK. Alongside cost-effectiveness, we offer fast turnaround times, providing incredible value and peace of mind to businesses seeking efficient drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palmer, AK
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness. In Palmer, AK, these tests provide highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring dependable outcomes. The method's rapid processing time means results are delivered quickly, supporting timely decision-making for employers and other stakeholders.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palmer, AK
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers in Palmer, AK, to maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal exposures and enhances safety, granting assurance to companies dedicated to maintaining high standards of workplace compliance and security.
