Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive services for hair follicle drug tests in Cambridge, Massachusetts. If you're seeking a hair-based drug or alcohol test, our expertise in hair testing comes with centers across all cities in the nation capable of performing a hair test. A length of hair between 1.5 to 2 inches on the head or body is typically required in most circumstances. Hair tests can be evaluated for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing options.
In recent years, the practice of drug testing increasingly incorporates hair follicle drug tests. Many employers, courts, and substance abuse experts prefer hair tests over traditional urine tests. Employers with strict drug policies, as well as judicial institutions and probationary individuals, often utilize hair follicle tests. The significant advantage of a hair test is its extended drug detection window, lasting up to 90 days, with observation during collection, making it highly secure against tampering. Nonetheless, for detecting drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the go-to choice.
* 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 emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It offers a long-term history by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand during growth. A sample taken near the scalp can provide up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment from around 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp weighs in at 100mg, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result process in the laboratory encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, where a sample is logged into the laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a quick initial assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening effectively rules out drug use for most samples, a positive result must be substantiated for legal standing. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive require further confirmation.
If a sample is tagged presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is taken from the initial batch for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as one of the toughest techniques.
Confirmation of positive results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 framework.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Cambridge, MA, hair testing stands out for its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests are commonly used, hair tests cover a more extended timeline, offering employers greater insight into an individual’s substance use history. Hair tests are more reliable, giving confidence to those enforcing strict, no-drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Cambridge, MA, extends the detection window for drug use to as much as 90 days. This longer period allows employers to gain a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug habits, enabling better informed decisions about prospective or current employees. This extended timeline surpasses the limitations of traditional testing methods.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Cambridge, MA, ensures the safety and reliability of drug test results. Unlike some methods prone to manipulation, hair tests provide results that are difficult to alter, making them a trustworthy choice for those needing dependable screening solutions.
With testing centers nationwide, including Cambridge, MA, our facilities provide accessible and convenient hair follicle testing services. This broad network enables easy access for those requiring tests, ensuring the process is quick and straightforward for individuals and organizations alike.
In Cambridge, MA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize users' privacy and ease. This approach ensures that individuals can engage with the testing process without concern for their personal data safety.
Our hair follicle testing services in Cambridge, MA, offer competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times, giving companies of all sizes value and peace of mind. Our efficient services ensure that organizations can obtain reliable drug test results without straining their budgets, making compliance affordable.
In Cambridge, MA, hair follicle drug tests offer quick and precise results, making them a top choice for detecting substance use. With their high accuracy, they can identify traces of drugs with greater reliability than other methods. This precision ensures that employers can trust the findings, providing a robust tool in maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
In Cambridge, MA, utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers to comply with legal requirements for drug-free workplaces. This method reduces legal vulnerabilities and promotes a safer work environment. Implementing hair testing aids in the establishment of a reliable and secure company atmosphere.
