Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Saint Joseph, Missouri. For those seeking hair drug or alcohol testing, we specialize in these tests and have centers nationwide that can conduct them. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is necessary. Hair tests can be tailored for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific needs.
Recently, hair follicle testing has gained popularity in drug testing protocols. Increasingly, employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals prefer it over traditional urine tests. Organizations with strict no-drug-use policies, legal systems, and probation agencies utilize hair tests due to their extended detection period of up to 90 days, secured observation process, and resistance to tampering. However, urine tests remain more precise for substance use within the past 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 is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. This technique offers an extended historical record of substance use, as biomarkers become embedded within the hair fibers as they grow. Sampling hair near the scalp can provide a detection timeframe of roughly three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
An optimal sample consists of a 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp, providing 100mg of hair suitable for both screening and confirmation. A sample of 150mg is suggested for EtG tests, add-ons, and testing exceeding 10 panels. It is advised to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight. In cases where scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing process involves four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, where the sample is processed into the laboratory system. This step confirms if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not addressed by an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening is an initial assessment for substance abuse. Although cost-effective for eliminating drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screening result must be validated by subsequent confirmation before it holds in legal settings. Any preliminary positive samples during Screening necessitate confirmation testing.
Should a sample yield a preliminary positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly complex.
Positive results from screening are confirmed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples provisionally testing positive are cleansed before final confirmation as required. The entire lab sequence, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saint Joseph, MO
Hair testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests due to its broader detection range and accuracy. While urine tests are limited in their short detection window, hair follicle tests can trace drug use patterns over an extended period, providing a more comprehensive view. This makes hair testing an excellent choice for employers needing detailed insights into substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Saint Joseph, MO
With the ability to identify drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage. This extended detection period allows employers in Saint Joseph, MO, to obtain a more thorough understanding of a candidate's or employee's long-term substance history, assisting in making safer hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saint Joseph, MO
The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its tamper-resistance. Through its robust collection and analysis process, this testing method significantly reduces the risk of sample alteration. Employers and authorities in Saint Joseph, MO, can rely on the credibility and accuracy of hair drug test results, promoting confidence in compliance and safety measures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Saint Joseph, MO
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures convenient access to drug testing services, making the process quick and straightforward. In Saint Joseph, MO, as well as across the country, our facilities provide hassle-free experiences, ensuring timely and efficient service to meet diverse testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saint Joseph, MO
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private, offering clear steps for ordering, testing, and receiving results while respecting privacy concerns. In Saint Joseph, MO, individuals seeking testing experience a process designed for ease and discretion, providing assurance of confidentiality throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saint Joseph, MO
Competitive pricing and rapid result delivery distinguish our hair follicle testing services. Offering great value for businesses of all sizes, our testing in Saint Joseph, MO, aligns affordability with quality, ensuring peace of mind through efficient and economically viable drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saint Joseph, MO
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its quick and precise results. This method ensures a high level of accuracy that makes it a preferred choice for detecting substance use. With an efficient testing process, individuals and organizations benefit from timely and dependable outcomes in Saint Joseph, MO, that support informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saint Joseph, MO
Employers seeking to uphold drug-free workplace policies find peace of mind in hair follicle testing. This method aids in adhering to compliance standards and minimizes legal liabilities. In Saint Joseph, MO, organizations enhance workplace safety by choosing a testing process that supports lasting assurance and integrity.
