Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug examinations in Bristol, Connecticut. If a hair or alcohol test is required, Accredited Drug Testing is a leader in hair analysis, with facilities available nationwide. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body can be used. Hair testing is available for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be tailored to specific needs.
Recently, drug testing has increasingly involved hair follicle methods. Various employers, courts, and addiction specialists now opt for hair drug testing instead of the conventional urine analysis. Hair follicle testing is favored by employers with strict drug policies, judiciary bodies, and probation. Its main advantage is the extensive 90-day detection frame, conducted under observation and resistant to tampering, though for recent usage within 5 days, urine tests remain the standard.
* 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 an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it captures biomarkers within the fiber of the hair strand, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. With strands collected near the scalp, hair can detect alcohol and drugs for roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, doesn't easily succumb to tampering, and is convenient for shipping.
Securing a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands (akin to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg—the perfect sample for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additions, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is recommended. Using a jeweler's scale is advised for precise weighing. If scalp hair isn't an option, body hair of a similar quantity can be collected. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of obtaining a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial step where a sample is logged into the laboratory's system. This step ensures correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody platform.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for abused substances. While it's a budget-friendly method for general drug use assessment, a court-admissible positive screen requires confirmation. Presumptive positive findings in Screening need further confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, the extraction of drugs from hair is carried out at lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening complex to perform.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are pre-washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bristol, CT
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine analysis, the benefits of hair testing stand out. Hair tests offer a more extended detection window, identifying substance use up to 90 days prior, far surpassing the short window of urine tests. Additionally, hair testing provides improved accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for individuals and employers in Bristol.
Hair testing also diminishes the risk of test tampering. Its collection process is observed, deterring any attempts to cheat. This makes hair testing a more secure and trustworthy method. For those aiming for comprehensive drug use detection, hair testing offers an unmatched advantage over traditional urine tests without compromising on reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Bristol, CT
One of the most significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection frame, up to 90 days. This provides a long-term view of a person's substance use, offering a comprehensive insight into their drug history. Employers benefit from this extensive detection period as it aids in identifying consistent patterns of use rather than isolated incidents.
This prolonged window of detection is especially crucial for making informed decisions in the hiring process. Understanding an individual's substance history enables more accurate evaluations, ensuring that candidates align with a company's standards and policies. The 90-day period makes hair follicle testing a robust tool in Bristol, CT.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bristol, CT
Hair follicle testing offers a testing method that is highly resistant to tampering. With collection processes typically done under observation, the risk of adulteration is minimized, providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable. The inherent difficulty of altering hair samples adds a layer of security not present in other methods.
As tampering becomes less feasible, the accuracy and reliability of the results are ensured, giving employers and authorities in Bristol, CT, confidence in their drug testing strategy. This reliability makes hair follicle tests the preferred choice where integrity and precision are paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bristol, CT
The convenience of having multiple testing centers nationwide, including in Bristol, ensures easy and quick access to hair follicle testing services. This widespread availability means individuals and employers can schedule tests with minimal hassle, saving time and effort.
Local testing sites eliminate the challenges of traveling long distances for testing. Having such accessible services ensures individuals can meet required testing protocols without undue stress, reinforcing a seamless process for all participants in Bristol, CT.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bristol, CT
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality at every stage. From ordering a test to receiving the results, each step is designed to respect privacy and ensure ease of use, making the experience comfortable for individuals and employers.
Efficient management of test data means only authorized individuals have access to results, safeguarding confidentiality. This streamlined approach to drug testing fosters trust, encouraging engagement with testing services while respecting individual privacy concerns in Bristol, CT.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bristol, CT
Hair follicle testing in Bristol offers competitive pricing that meets the needs of companies of all sizes. Combined with a fast turnaround time for results, it provides excellent value. This affordability ensures comprehensive testing without burdening budgets.
Quick result delivery supports timely decision-making, crucial for maintaining operational efficiency. By balancing cost-effectiveness and speedy results, hair follicle testing becomes an indispensable resource for businesses aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace economically.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bristol, CT
Hair follicle drug tests provide unparalleled precision in detecting drug use. With swift processing times, these tests deliver results quickly, removing the long waits often associated with other methods. The accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures reliability in substance detection, making it an ideal choice for those seeking certainty in the testing process.
The speed at which results are returned allows employers to make timely decisions without sacrificing accuracy. Hair tests can identify a broad spectrum of substances, highlighting their superior detection capability. This balance of rapid results and high accuracy makes hair follicle testing a trusted method in Bristol, CT.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bristol, CT
Hair follicle testing ensures strict adherence to workplace drug-free policies, providing peace of mind for employers. By utilizing this method, companies can enhance workplace safety, minimizing legal risks tied to non-compliance. Employers can maintain a secure and productive environment.
Using hair testing allows companies to meet regulatory requirements efficiently. This prevents potential liabilities related to drug use in the workplace. Embracing hair follicle testing helps forge a drug-free environment, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility in Bristol, CT.
