In Ballard, Missouri, Accredited Drug Testing provides all-inclusive hair follicle drug screenings. Whether you require tests for drugs or alcohol, our expertise in hair sampling and our nationwide network of centers ensure comprehensive care. Typically, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the scalp is necessary, or body hair might be used. Diverse hair analyses can be conducted to detect drugs, alcohol, and custom testing options.
The preferred approach for drug testing is increasingly the hair follicle method. This method is being adopted by employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists more often than the classic urine tests. It's favored by employers enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies and individuals under probation. The critical advantage of hair drug tests is their extended window of drug use detection, often up to 90 days, with observed collections making tampering nearly impossible. Yet, if recent drug use needs to be checked, urine tests remain the most precise option within a 5-day window.
* 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 efficient method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository for alcohol and drug use over an extended period by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of about 200 strands of hair (comparable to the circumference of a standard pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. Use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, collect an equivalent amount of body hair. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing for a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not provided electronically by the chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. Screening is a cost-efficient approach to detect drug usage in most samples; however, positive results require confirmation for court admissibility. Presumably positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation testing.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair, which is a more challenging concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug screening is technically demanding.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive receive a wash pre-confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Beats Urine Testing in Ballard, MO: When it comes to drug testing, hair follicle tests offer superior advantages over traditional urine tests. The accuracy of hair testing surpasses that of urine, detecting a wider range of substances over a more extended period. Hair tests provide a robust and reliable picture of drug usage history, making them the preferred choice for stringent drug testing protocols.
Extended Detection Window in Ballard, MO: One of the primary benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extensive timeframe, typically up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug history, far surpassing the short-term view provided by urine tests. It’s an invaluable tool for long-term substance monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ballard, MO: Hair follicle drug tests significantly minimize the chances of sample tampering. The collection process is monitored, ensuring samples remain untainted. This makes hair testing one of the most reliable methods, offering results that are beyond contestation, unlike some conventional testing methods.
Convenient Nationwide Testing in Ballard, MO: Our widespread testing centers across the nation make accessing our services seamless and convenient. Whether in Ballard or any other city, you can rely on quick and efficient testing processes, ensuring that your testing needs are met without hassle or delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ballard, MO: We underscore the simplicity and privacy in our testing process—from ordering to obtaining results. With a focus on confidentiality, clients can trust that their data is secure and managed with care, addressing any concerns regarding the privacy of their sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ballard, MO: Our pricing structures are competitive, paired with rapid result delivery, offering excellent value. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective services without sacrificing quality or speed, ensuring peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
Fast, Accurate Results in Ballard, MO: Hair follicle tests boast unparalleled precision in detecting substances quickly. Their reliability ensures that results are not only accurate but also delivered swiftly. In comparison to other methods, hair testing stands out for its rapid turnaround, making it the go-to choice for timely and dependable substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ballard, MO: Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies with confidence. This method reduces legal complications, enhances safety, and provides security that only compliant and reliable employees are part of the team, ensuring a safer work environment.
