Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug testing services in Center Ridge, Arkansas. If a hair drug or alcohol test is required, we are experts in hair testing and conveniently have locations across the Nation equipped to conduct hair analysis. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body can be utilized as samples. These tests provide data on the presence of drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored hair testing solutions.
Recently, the popularity of using hair follicle drug tests has heightened. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals often favor hair tests over traditional urine tests. These tests are essential for employers with zero-tolerance policies and those on probation by the courts. A significant advantage is their extended detection time for drugs, usually up to 90 days, conducted under strict observation, making tampering extremely difficult. Yet, for detecting very recent use within 5 days, urine tests remain more precise.
* 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 established its place as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and other substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and various drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair should be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a sample in a lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in the majority of samples, positive screen results must be confirmed to hold up in a legal context. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Center Ridge, AR: Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. Hair samples retain drug trace information longer, giving a more comprehensive picture of past drug use. This longevity and the test's inherent tamper resistance make it a standout method for dependable drug testing, particularly for long-term substance use monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in Center Ridge, AR: Hair follicle tests provide an extensive detection window, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to evaluate an individual's substance history with greater accuracy. By reflecting longer-term habits, hair testing offers a thorough background check, crucial for maintaining a secure workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Center Ridge, AR: Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the potential for sample tampering, delivering reliable and indisputable results. The collection method ensures the integrity of samples and eliminates common cheating tactics prevalent in other testing methods. This reliability strengthens confidence in the outcomes for employers and individuals alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Center Ridge, AR: Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures easy access to services without unnecessary hassle. Whether you're local or traveling, Authorized centers provide quick and straightforward testing solutions, eliminating any logistical barriers and ensuring smooth operations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Center Ridge, AR: The testing process is not only straightforward but also discreet, addressing concerns about ease of access and privacy. Ordering, testing, and accessing results are user-friendly, maintaining confidentiality throughout each step, offering individuals and businesses peace of mind.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Center Ridge, AR: Competitive pricing structures paired with swift turnaround times provide exceptional value, catering to businesses of all sizes. This combination assures financial feasibility while ensuring rapid receipt of results, fostering confidence and economic benefits in employee management processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Center Ridge, AR: Hair follicle drug tests provide a swift and precise assessment of substance use, ensuring high accuracy in test outcomes. Their design focuses on rapid processing, which means individuals and employers receive quick answers, facilitating timely decision-making. Opting for hair tests ensures both peace of mind and efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Center Ridge, AR: Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and strengthening overall safety. This testing method allows employers to maintain compliance standards and foster a safe working environment. Secure testing methods provide reassurance and legal protection.