Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Lake Annette, Missouri. Specializing in hair tests for drugs and alcohol, we offer our services through centers nationwide. A hair sample of 1.5 to 2 inches is typically needed, taken from the crown of the head or body. Hair testing options cover drugs, alcohol/ETG, and customized tests.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become more common in drug testing practices. They are favored by employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals over traditional urine tests. Hair drug tests are essential for workplaces with zero-tolerance drug policies and for individuals on probation, thanks to their extended detection window of up to 90 days, stringent collection procedures, and high resistance to tampering. However, urine tests remain more effective for detecting recent drug use within the past five 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.
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core procedures in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary process of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This involves assuring that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers an economical means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While colloquially termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Annette, MO
Compared with urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests cover a longer detection window, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history. This makes it more effective in identifying long-term patterns of substance use, ensuring a safer environment for both employers and employees in Lake Annette, MO.
Extended Detection Window in Lake Annette, MO
Hair follicle tests provide a significant advantage with their extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers in Lake Annette, MO to uncover any substance use habits that might have occurred months prior, giving them a more detailed picture of an applicant or employee's history. It's a crucial tool for making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Annette, MO
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant qualities, significantly reducing the chances of sample adulteration. For those in Lake Annette, MO, this means more credible and conclusive results are obtained, thereby strengthening the assessment process and bolstering confidence in the outcomes of these thorough evaluations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lake Annette, MO
Our extensive network of testing centers in Lake Annette, MO and across the nation guarantees easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. This convenience ensures that tests are simple to arrange and undergo, minimizing disruptions and providing quick, reliable service to all clients in need.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Annette, MO
Ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is a straightforward and confidential process in Lake Annette, MO. This addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, providing individuals with the assurance that their information is handled sensitively and securely at every stage.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Annette, MO
In Lake Annette, MO, we offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This ensures our services are accessible to businesses of all sizes, delivering value and peace of mind through our reliable and rapid drug testing processes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Annette, MO
Hair follicle testing excels in both speed and precision. Its accuracy in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering reliable results swiftly. Benefiting employers and individuals in Lake Annette, MO, this testing method ensures that substance abuse issues are promptly and efficiently identified, enhancing overall safety and trust within the community.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Annette, MO
Hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, giving employers in Lake Annette, MO peace of mind. By reducing legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, this method enhances safety and ensures a healthy work environment, supporting the overarching goal of a drug-free community.
