Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in Valparaiso, Indiana. If a hair or alcohol test is needed, they are experts in this area with facilities all across the nation, ready to conduct such analyses. A small hair sample from the head or body—a length of 1.5 to 2 inches—is usually sufficient for testing. Hair analysis can reveal drugs, alcohol/ETG, or support other personalized testing needs.
More and more, drug testing now involves hair follicle examinations. Increasingly favored by employers, courts, and substance abuse experts, hair tests replace standard urine tests, aligning with strict anti-drug policies. Key benefits include detection periods up to 90 days, with the process both observed and secure against tampering. While effective for past drug use, urine tests are still the go-to for uncovering recent usage within the last 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 analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing strands. When cut close to the scalp, it provides a retrospective analysis of up to three months for drug and alcohol consumption. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair specimen that is 1.5 inches long and consists of about 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp ensures a 100mg weight, suitable for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the specimen is advised. A jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be sampled. "Head hair" specifies scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any required data entry that was not part of the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive finding requires confirmation to be admissible in legal situations. Samples testing presumptive positive during Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
For specimens identified as presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are extracted at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the challenges of performing hair drug testing.
Confirmatory testing following an initial positive result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. As needed, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation. The full processing sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mislabeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually evaluate the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Valparaiso, IN
Hair follicle testing exhibits superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. Its benefits are evident in its broader detection window and more reliable results.
Employers favor hair testing over urine due to a longer detection timeframe and lower susceptibility to manipulation, offering a more dependable assessment of an individual's drug history.
Prolonged Detection Period in Valparaiso, IN
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers to evaluate an applicant's comprehensive drug use history.
This long-term insight surpasses the limited window of urine tests, delivering a clear understanding of substance use that impacts hiring and employment decisions.
Secure Testing Method in Valparaiso, IN
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-proof, offering results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
Due to the observance during sample collection and minimal vulnerability to adulteration, these tests ensure employers receive an honest evaluation of drug or alcohol use.
Convenient Local and National Testing Centers in Valparaiso, IN
Offering accessible testing locations both nationwide and locally, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that hair follicle tests are quick and convenient to obtain.
This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, making it hassle-free for individuals and employers alike.
Confidential and Simple Process in Valparaiso, IN
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and maintains privacy.
Efforts to ensure confidentiality and simplicity address common concerns, making the entire procedure efficient and secure for all parties involved.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Valparaiso, IN
Affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing a cost-effective option for companies of all sizes.
Providing excellent value, these tests offer peace of mind with their comprehensive and timely reporting of substance use.
Fast and Precise Results in Valparaiso, IN
In terms of accuracy and efficiency, hair follicle tests set the standard. With their ability to deliver fast and precise results, these tests provide detailed insights into an individual's drug use.
Conducted under stringent protocols, hair testing offers precision that urine tests often cannot match, making it invaluable for employers seeking robust substance use verification.
Ensure Compliance and Safety with Hair Testing in Valparaiso, IN
Utilizing hair follicle tests guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities.
By implementing this testing method, employers can cultivate a safer and more productive work environment, bolstering overall peace of mind.
