Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair analysis for drug testing in Athol, Massachusetts. Whether you require evaluation for substances or alcohol through a hair sample, our expertise lies in hair testing at facilities all over the country. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body can typically be used. These tests accommodate drug, alcohol/ETG, or specific requirements.
Recently, drug testing protocols have increasingly incorporated hair follicle tests. A variety of employers, legal entities, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer hair samples over standard urine tests. Entities such as zero-tolerance employers, courts, and those on probation employ these tests. The extended detection window, often up to 90 days, and the integrity of observed collection are key benefits. For recent drug use, within a 5-day window, urine analysis remains more precise.
* 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 has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as a record of long-term alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, supplementary tests, or when conducting tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. By 'head hair', we mean only scalp hair. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially integrating the sample into the lab system. The process includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails conducting a preliminary rapid assessment for narcotics. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples with potential positive results in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
In cases where the Screening stage indicates a potential positive, more hair is taken from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is complex.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with positive presumptions are washed before confirmation where necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the testing evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Athol, MA
In Athol, MA, hair follicle testing provides superior detection compared to traditional urine exams. Hair tests offer greater accuracy, given their extensive detection period reaching up to 90 days. As such, employers can gain a comprehensive understanding of an employee's drug history. The intrinsic reliability and lesser risk of tampering make hair tests a preferred choice over urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Athol, MA
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled for its expansive detection period, reaching up to 90 days, which presents employers in Athol, MA, with a detailed overview of a potential or current employee's history with substances. This prolonged window ensures employers can make informed decisions, enhancing workplace safety by understanding an individual's long-term drug habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Athol, MA
In Athol, MA, hair follicle tests provide an outstanding method for preventing sample adulteration. This robust testing approach offers reliable and undeniable results by eliminating possibilities of tamper. Hair sample collection is supervised, and its unique processing virtually eliminates the potential for deception, providing employers assurance regarding test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Athol, MA
Our extensive network of testing centers spans nationwide, including Athol, MA, providing convenient access to our testing services. Whether in a major city or a smaller locale, we ensure quick, straightforward, and stress-free testing processes are available, catering to diverse testing needs efficiently and effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Athol, MA
In Athol, MA, our testing procedures are straightforward and private, alleviating any privacy concerns. The process of ordering, participating, and receiving results is seamless, designed to respect individuals' confidentiality while ensuring ease of use. We aim to provide a service that is both accessible and sensitive to personal privacy needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Athol, MA
Our competitive pricing structures and swift results in Athol, MA present cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes. We pride ourselves on the value we offer—high-quality testing services that benefit companies with quick and dependable insights, ensuring you receive both high-quality outcomes and economical advantages.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Athol, MA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out in Athol, MA, offering speedy and precise detection of substance use. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis provides a more reliable account of an individual's consumption history, ensuring results consumers can trust. These tests effectively identify substances with high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for fast insight into drug usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Athol, MA
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Athol, MA allows employers to maintain adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal risk while promoting workplace safety. By opting for a reliable drug testing method, businesses reduce compliance concerns and gain peace of mind, confident that their work environment is regulated, safe, and productive.
