Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Alton, Missouri. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol test, we specialize in hair testing and have facilities nationwide to conduct such tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is sufficient. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer tailored testing solutions.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become a more prevalent method for drug testing. Employers, legal systems, and substance abuse experts often prefer this method over typical urine tests. It supports zero-tolerance policies and is used by courts and probation offices. A significant advantage of hair testing is the extended detection window, up to 90 days, with observed collection making it hard to alter. However, for detecting usage within 5 days, urine tests still offer higher accuracy.
* 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 evaluation of hair samples is now recognized as a robust method for uncovering substances such as drugs and alcohol. The strands of hair encapsulate markers within the fibers, offering a record of use over a more extended period. When collected from the area near the scalp, hair can disclose use of substances like drugs and alcohol for a timeframe reaching up to 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the collection. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair might be gathered. 'Head hair' indicates scalp hair exclusively, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other variations (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome is broken down into four basic stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning means enrolling the collected sample into the lab’s system initially. This step checks that all seals are intact and the sample was delivered correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data not available electronically via a custody system.
Screening executes a preliminary rapid assessment for drug usage. This method effectively eliminates the presence of drugs in most samples cost-efficiently, though any positive indications need substantiation for legal acceptance. Samples appearing positive at this juncture require another round of validation.
Should a sample test positive at the Screening phase, additional portions of hair undergo preparation for Extraction. At this point, hair sheds drugs at much lower densities than through other test samples (e.g., in urine or saliva), thus making hair drug examinations the most challenging form to conduct.
For Confirmation of positive results in screening, methodologies like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS are utilized. All samples presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory methodology, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards of accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the actual strand of hair and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alton, MO
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the advantages are clear.
Hair testing captures extended drug use history, providing superior accuracy, making it a preferred choice for employers with strict policies.
Extended Detection Window in Alton, MO
The hair follicle drug testing method offers a longer detection window, up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed look at an individual’s drug use history.
This extended period aids in understanding habits over time, aiding hiring decisions and monitoring programs.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alton, MO
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, providing results that are both reliable and defensible.
Such reliability ensures that the outcome reflects genuine use, benefiting employers and officials alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Alton, MO
Our national network of testing centers offers ease of access and convenience for hair follicle testing.
This widespread availability means you can find a testing center without hassle, ensuring timely service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alton, MO
Our process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and ensures privacy.
Clients can feel secure, knowing that their information is managed discretely and effectively throughout the entire testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alton, MO
We offer competitive pricing and quick results for hair follicle testing.
This makes our services accessible and efficient, ensuring businesses receive excellent service within their budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alton, MO
Hair follicle tests ensure swift and precise outcomes, identifying substance use with high accuracy. This method offers rapid results without compromising on reliability.
Choosing hair tests means choosing dependable results, assisting employers and officials in making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alton, MO
Implementing hair follicle testing helps maintain strict drug-free workplace policies.
This approach not only supports a safe working environment but also promotes peace of mind among employers and stakeholders.
