Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug analysis in Valrico, Florida. For hair drug or alcohol assessments, we specialize in hair testing, with locations across the nation ready to conduct such tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or another body area is sufficient for testing. Hair tests can evaluate drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
Recently, the preference for drug testing has shifted towards hair follicle analysis. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts now favor hair drug tests over conventional urine tests. Hair follicle tests are preferred by zero-tolerance employers, courts, and individuals under probation due to their extended detection window, which can reach up to 90 days, and their observant collection process, making them exceptionally difficult to manipulate. Nevertheless, urine tests remain the best choice for detecting drug use within the previous 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 has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to nearly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Outline
The fundamental stages in lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a lab’s system. This includes ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any additional data entry absent an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid check for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening especially challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The decision between hair and urine testing often leans towards hair follicle analysis in Valrico, FL, as it surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of detection accuracy. The unparalleled sensitivity of hair tests ensures that even minor traces of substances are identified. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests offer an extended period for monitoring past substance use.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle testing can uncover drug use from up to 90 days prior. This lengthy detection timeline provides employers in Valrico, FL, a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance history. This depth of coverage is unmatched by other testing methods, offering an extensive view into prolonged patterns of drug use.
One of the most compelling aspects of hair follicle tests in Valrico, FL, is their tamper-resistant nature. The methodology significantly reduces the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are not only reliable but also stand uncontested. This integrity makes hair testing a preferred choice for stakeholders demanding assurance in testing results.
Convenient Testing Centers Across Valrico, FL ensure straightforward access to drug testing services. With a vast network of nationwide locations, securing a test is hassle-free. This widespread availability underscores Accredited Drug Testing’s commitment to providing easy and swift access for all testing requirements.
The hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential in Valrico, FL. From order placement to result reception, the procedure prioritizes ease of use and privacy. Clients can be assured of a streamlined process that addresses privacy concerns, maintaining a respectful and discreet testing environment.
Affordable pricing and swift turnaround times characterize the hair follicle testing services in Valrico, FL. This combination offers great value for organizations of any size, ensuring that clients receive speedy results without compromising budgetary constraints, all while maintaining the highest standards of testing efficacy.
Fast and Precise Testing in Valrico, FL encompasses the state-of-the-art capabilities of hair follicle drug tests. These tests are not only expedient but also offer high precision in substance detection, ensuring timely and accurate insights into an individual's drug use habits. With the ability to detect a comprehensive range of substances, hair testing stands as a reliable parameter for substance assessment.
Employers gain peace of mind by using hair follicle testing in Valrico, FL, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach minimizes legal risks, promotes a safer work environment, and aligns with sustained organizational health and safety standards.
