Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Boston, Massachusetts. Whether you require testing for drugs or alcohol, we have centers nationwide that can conduct these assessments. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your scalp or body will suffice. Hair testing analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized according to specific requirements.
In recent times, drug testing has increasingly favored hair follicle analysis. Employers, legal entities, and substance abuse experts often prefer this over urine tests. Hair tests are ideal for organizations with strict drug-free policies, judicial systems, and individuals on probation. The key advantage is an extended detection window of up to 90 days. While urine tests remain most accurate for recent drug use, the hair tests minimize tampering due to observed collection.
* 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 emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by holding biomarkers within its growing fibers. By acquiring hair near the scalp, it can offer up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and authentication. For EtG add-ons or over 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable volume of body hair may be utilized. Reference to head hair solely indicates scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where the sample enters the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial check for drug use. While it is a cost-efficient way to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair from the original sample is used for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Any positive screen result undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Boston, MA, hair follicle drug tests demonstrate clear advantages over urine analysis, primarily due to their longer detection periods and enhanced reliability. Hair tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, providing employers and authorities with a dependable tool for maintaining drug-free environments. Their resistance to tampering further bolsters their reputation as the superior choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Hair follicle testing in Boston, MA, presents an extended detection period, often up to 90 days, allowing for detailed insights into an individual's substance use over time. This broad window grants employers a thorough understanding of an applicant's or employee's history, aiding in more informed hiring and monitoring decisions. This extended assessment capability clearly distinguishes hair tests from traditional methods.
Hair follicle testing in Boston, MA, significantly curtails the risk of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results. By their nature, hair tests discourage adulteration, providing an authentication layer that urine tests fail to match. This method ensures that samples remain intact from collection through to analysis, offering a new level of reliability and reducing potential disputes over test results' integrity.
Our widespread network of testing centers, including prime locations in Boston, MA, ensures accessible and stress-free drug testing services. Whether for corporations, legal requirements, or personal use, our facilities provide a straightforward journey from scheduling to results, simplifying the testing process. This convenience is matched by local accessibility, catering effectively to the community's needs.
Our hair follicle testing process in Boston, MA, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring a smooth experience. Privacy concerns are addressed at every step, from ordering to receiving results, promoting peace of mind. The straightforward procedure aligns with modern needs for accessible health services, affirming our commitment to user-centric testing.
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times position our hair follicle testing services in Boston, MA, as both accessible and valuable. Companies can expect robust testing without inflated costs, ensuring quality without compromising efficiency. This approach nurtures client trust, serving businesses of all sizes with timely, accurate drug testing solutions.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Boston, MA, ensures swift and reliable outcomes, surpassing traditional methods. Hair tests accurately trace substance use, offering a meticulous assessment for both individuals and organizations. This method's high accuracy rate makes it a preferred choice for detecting a range of substances with confidence, contributing to secure and efficient evaluation processes.
Employers in Boston, MA, gain confidence through hair follicle testing, knowing that their drug-free policies are upheld professionally. This testing method aids compliance with legal and workplace standards, minimizing the risks of drug use and promoting a safer work environment. The assurance of uncompromised testing bolsters organizational safety, protecting both employee welfare and company interests.