In Tarpon Springs, Florida, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Our testing centers are spread across all cities Nationwide and specialize in hair-based drug and alcohol testing. Typically, a sample requires 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your scalp or body. These tests can assess the presence of drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer various customized testing options.
Hair follicle drug testing has rapidly gained traction in drug testing methodologies. This method is increasingly preferred by employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals over traditional urine tests due to its benefits. Employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies, courts, and probation officers prioritize hair tests for their longer detection window, usually up to 90 days. While urine tests remain precise for recent drug use within five days, hair tests are observed, collected, and hard to tamper with.
* 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 an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The long-term record of alcohol and other drugs can be tracked through hair because it captures biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When closely cut near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month period of alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is easy, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. All other types (such as facial or axillary) fall under body hair.
Process Overview
Four primary phases comprise the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing within a laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift drug abuse check. Despite Screening being a cost-effective approach for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening a challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results receive confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tarpon Springs, FL
When evaluating drug testing options, hair follicle tests stand out for their superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Where urine tests might fall short, hair testing provides a comprehensive detection window, capturing a more extended history of substance use. This reliability marks it as a crucial tool for employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals.
Extended Detection Window in Tarpon Springs, FL
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period, often up to 90 days, which is beneficial for employers in Tarpon Springs, FL. This allows them a broad overview of an individual's substance use history, providing confidence and assurance in the drug testing process. This long-term view aids in making informed decisions about potential or current employees based on their past behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tarpon Springs, FL
Hair follicle drug tests in Tarpon Springs, FL, provide a tamper-resistant solution, minimizing the risks associated with sample adulteration. Compared to other methods, the integrity of hair samples ensures unquestionable results, crucial for maintaining trust and confidence in the testing process. The observed and secure collecting approach plays a significant role in its reliability and validity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tarpon Springs, FL
Our extensive network of testing centers offers unparalleled convenience for those in Tarpon Springs, FL. Whether nationwide or local, accessing hair follicle testing services is made quick and hassle-free. This accessibility ensures that individuals and employers can easily fit testing into their schedules, reinforcing the efficiency and practicality of our services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tarpon Springs, FL
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Tarpon Springs is straightforward and ensures confidentiality at every step. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each stage respects privacy concerns and emphasizes ease of use. This streamlined approach guarantees that our clients can trust in a discreet and efficient testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tarpon Springs, FL
Our competitive pricing models and quick turnaround times offer excellent value to companies of all sizes in Tarpon Springs, FL. Providing affordable hair follicle testing ensures that high-quality and timely drug testing is accessible without financial strain. This balance of affordability and rapid processing plays a vital role in client satisfaction and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tarpon Springs, FL
Hair follicle drug testing offers precision and swift results, highlighting its reliability compared to other testing methods. Its high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures dependable detection, making it a preferred choice for those seeking fast and verified outcomes. The meticulous methodology guarantees that results remain trustworthy and reflective of actual substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tarpon Springs, FL
Using hair follicle testing, employers in Tarpon Springs can ensure adherence to drug-free policies within the workplace. This method reduces legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety. The confidence offered by a reliable testing method translates into peace of mind, knowing that all policies are effectively enforced, ensuring a drug-free work environment.
