Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in St. Augustine Shores, FL. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol test, we specialize in hair testing and have centers across all U.S. cities. In typical scenarios, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body can be used. Hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific needs.
The trend in drug testing has increasingly shifted towards hair follicle drug tests. More employers, judicial bodies, and addiction specialists prefer hair tests over urine tests. Companies with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and probation cases utilize these tests for their extensive drug detection window—up to 90 days. They are hard to alter, offering a more reliable test, although urine tests are preferred for recent drug use detection, typically within 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 testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extensive timeline of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can show an approximate 3-month window of detection for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests that go beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. It's suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms proper sealing and shipping of the sample, the assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy to dismiss drug use for the majority of samples, confirmation is necessary for a positive screen to hold up in court. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening must be confirmed through a secondary process.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations lower than those detected through other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests due to their extensive detection accuracy. While urine tests capture recent drug use, hair testing offers a more reliable and comprehensive picture of past usage, ensuring precise results for employers and professionals in St. Augustine Shores, FL.
Extended Detection Window in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Hair follicle tests can detect drug usage over a significantly extended period, up to 90 days. This longer window gives employers a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use history, aiding in making informed decisions about employees or applicants in St. Augustine Shores, FL.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Hair follicle testing offers a robust method against sample tampering, immensely reducing the risk of adulteration. The authenticity and reliability of the test results provide trustworthy information, crucial for drug testing protocols in St. Augustine Shores, FL.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including in St. Augustine Shores, FL, ensures that individuals and companies have convenient and easy access to our services. This accessibility guarantees a smooth and efficient testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Augustine Shores, FL
We prioritize a straightforward and confidential service for ordering and receiving test results. Our process addresses privacy concerns and ensures that taking part in testing is hassle-free for those in St. Augustine Shores, FL.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times guarantee exceptional value and peace of mind for companies, regardless of size. This ensures that our hair follicle testing services are both cost-effective and efficient for businesses in St. Augustine Shores, FL.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed, providing results that are pivotal for confidently assessing substance use. Their superior accuracy ensures that drug usage is effectively detected, making them ideal for both employers and individuals in St. Augustine Shores, FL.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Augustine Shores, FL
Utilizing hair follicle testing fosters compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing potential legal issues. This testing method enhances workplace safety and provides employers in St. Augustine Shores, FL, with the assurance needed to maintain a healthy work environment.
