Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cambridge, MA

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal
Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

32 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Cambridge

Minutes Away, Test Today

1493 Cambridge St0.09 miles

1493 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA 2139

1400 Cambridge St0.24 miles

1400 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA 2139

12 Everett St0.74 miles

12 Everett St
Cambridge, MA 2138

16 Westwood Rd0.80 miles

16 Westwood Rd
Somerville, MA 2143

10 Cambria St0.84 miles

10 Cambria St
Somerville, MA 2143

Onsite Only #10.84 miles

Onsite Only #1
Cambridge, MA 2139

114 Western Ave1.29 miles

114 Western Ave
Allston, MA 2134

124 Western Ave1.30 miles

124 Western Ave
Allston, MA 2134

5 Middlesex Ave1.64 miles

5 Middlesex Ave
Somerville, MA 2145

601 Concord Ave2.02 miles

601 Concord Ave
Cambridge, MA 2138

98 N Washington St Ste 1072.06 miles

98 N Washington St Ste 107
Boston, MA 2114

1101 Beacon St, 1st Floor2.13 miles

1101 Beacon St, 1st Floor
Brookline, MA 2446

1180 Beacon St Ste 1d,2.17 miles

1180 Beacon St Ste 1d,
Brookline, MA 2446

1285 Beacon St2.33 miles

1285 Beacon St
Brookline, MA 2446

358 Harvard St2.34 miles

358 Harvard St
Brookline, MA 2446

101 Station Lndg2.40 miles

101 Station Lndg
Medford, MA 2155

319 Longwood Ave,2.56 miles

319 Longwood Ave,
Boston, MA 2115

725 Concord Ave Ste 51002.63 miles

725 Concord Ave Ste 5100
Cambridge, MA 2138

101 Arch St Ste 202.78 miles

101 Arch St Ste 20
Boston, MA 2110

37 Manning St2.91 miles

37 Manning St
Medford, MA 2155

736 Cambridge St Department Of Occ Hlth And Travel3.03 miles

736 Cambridge St Department Of Occ Hlth And Travel
Brighton, MA 2135

376 Arsenal Street3.04 miles

376 Arsenal Street
Watertown, MA 2472

92 High St3.05 miles

92 High St
Medford, MA 2155

500 Cummings Ctr Ste 43503.06 miles

500 Cummings Ctr Ste 4350
Beverly, MA 1915

125 Parker Hill Ave3.12 miles

125 Parker Hill Ave
Boston, MA 2120

850 Harrison Ave Ste 1n673.18 miles

850 Harrison Ave Ste 1n67
Boston, MA 2118

41 Carleton Rd3.49 miles

41 Carleton Rd
Belmont, MA 2478

20 S Border Rd3.79 miles

20 S Border Rd
Medford, MA 2155

219 Centre St3.87 miles

219 Centre St
Malden, MA 2148

1 Harborside Dr3.89 miles

1 Harborside Dr
East Boston, MA 2128

156 Saint Andrew Rd5.48 miles

156 Saint Andrew Rd
East Boston, MA 2128

1400 Centre St, Ste 2085.76 miles

1400 Centre St, Ste 208
Newton Center, MA 2459

Employment, Court Ordered, Probation, Family

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.

What it is, How it works

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:

  • Extended detection span: Hair tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests present a shorter detection period.
  • Hard to falsify: Hair drug tests are hard to cheat, resulting in more precise outcomes.
  • Historical insight: It provides a drug-use pattern over time, beyond recent consumption.

Limitations:

  • Recent use detection is limited: Drugs take about 5-7 days to show up in hair.
  • Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other methods.
  • Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth may impact metabolite concentration.

Note: Though sometimes termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

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.

Extended Detection Window

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.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

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.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

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.

Simple, Confidential Process

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.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

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.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

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.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

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.

What's New In Hair Follicle Drug Testing according to the Hair Drug Testing Experts

With its multidisciplinary nature, hair testing brings together researchers, scientists, and experts from various domains to develop innovative techniques, explore new methodologies, and address emerging concerns, responding to the ever-evolving challenges of drug abuse, therapeutic drug monitoring, and environmental exposures to pollutants.

The joint meeting of the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the Italian Group of Forensic Toxicologists (GTFI) was organized in Verona, June 8–10, 2022, and hosted by the Legal Medicine team of the Verona University Hospital, directed by Franco Tagliaro together with Federica Bortolotti and Rossella Gottardo.

It served as a prominent platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, facilitating groundbreaking advancements in hair testing and analysis. In this special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, we aim to showcase the remarkable manuscripts presented at this significant event, shedding light on the latest research and highlighting the future directions in this field.

Novel Analytical Techniques: The Verona meeting witnessed the unveiling of cutting-edge analytical techniques, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy for drug testing. Remarkable advancements in sample preparation, detection, and identification of drug compounds have been presented. The manuscripts in this section presented novel approaches, such as multianalyte methods and on-line preparation which can enable rapid analysis and improve thorough forensic investigations.

Biomarkers and Pharmacokinetics: The identification and validation of reliable biomarkers and pharmacokinetic studies are fundamental aspects of drug testing and analysis. The impact of hair treatments on the oxidation/decomposition of drugs in hair was also explored, as the long-term fate of drugs incorporated in the keratin matrix. Furthermore, the SoHT meeting in Verona featured research on the identification and quantification of alcohol abuse biomarkers, their stability, and their correlation with exposure and other biomarkers.

Forensic Applications and Interpretation: One of the vital objectives of hair testing is its application in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. The SoHT meeting in Verona emphasized the significance of rigorous interpretation of analytical results and the need for standardized protocols. Manuscripts in this section present advancements in forensic toxicology, and have explored the challenges posed by emerging designer drugs and strategies to combat their proliferation. The pitfalls encountered when the exogenous/endogenous nature of a substance is questioned were presented and discussed. The special issue presents also manuscripts that delve into the ethical implications of drug testing in drug facilitated sexual assaults.

Clinical Applications of hair testing are witnessed by the insight on environmental tobacco smoke exposure, assessed by hair analysis in a population of students and the study of in utero-exposure to drugs of abuse through neonatal hair analysis. Exposure to drugs was also important in cases of child abuse/neglect, when the clinical purpose of hair testing merge with its forensic applications.

The legal framework surrounding hair testing and the achievement of guidelines to ensure fairness, accuracy, and confidentiality in drug testing practices have also been discussed,and the SoHT consensus on general hair testing and testing for drugs of abuse was presented at the meeting and published as a Letter to the Editor.

In conclusion, the special issue of Drug Testing and Analysis, featuring manuscripts from the SoHT–GTFI meeting in Verona 2022, reflects the remarkable advancements achieved in this field. The manuscripts provide valuable insights into novel analytical techniques, biomarkers, pharmacokinetics, forensic applications, and ethical considerations. As we embrace these advancements, we pave the way for a safer, healthier society, where drug testing and analysis serve as powerful tools in protecting public health and maintaining integrity in various sectors. The research presented in this special issue will undoubtedly shape the future of drug testing and analysis, fostering collaboration and inspiring further innovation in this crucial area of scientific inquiry.


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Frequently Asked Questions

A hair follicle drug test analyzes a small sample of hair to detect a history of drug use over time. Because drug metabolites are incorporated into hair as it grows, this method can show patterns of use instead of just recent exposure. It is frequently used for legal and court requirements, long-term monitoring, and high-trust workforce screening.
Standard hair drug testing typically reflects drug use over approximately a 90-day period, based on the length of hair collected at the time of testing. Longer hair can sometimes reflect a longer time frame, and extremely short hair can reduce that window.
Hair drug testing commonly screens for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates/opioids, amphetamines/methamphetamines, and PCP. In many cases, additional expanded panels may be requested to include other substances.
Yes. If the donor's head hair is too short or unavailable, body hair may be collected as an alternative. The collector will document the source of the sample. This allows testing even for individuals with recently cut or shaved head hair.
Yes. Hair drug testing is commonly used in court, probation, custody, and compliance matters because the collection process follows a documented chain of custody and the analysis is performed by a certified laboratory. Results are provided in a form that can be reviewed by legal and administrative authorities.
Yes. Individuals, parents, attorneys, employers, and probation programs can all request hair drug testing. A doctor's order is not required. Results are confidential and released only to the authorized requesting party.
Hair testing provides a longer look-back period than urine testing, making it useful when you need to demonstrate ongoing abstinence or identify repeated/recent substance use patterns over time rather than just recent exposure. It is frequently selected for legal, compliance, and custody-related documentation.
A small section of hair is cut by a trained collector in a discreet, controlled manner. The sample is sealed, documented, and sent to the laboratory under established chain-of-custody procedures so that the results can be defended if they are ever challenged.

Customer Reviews

Thank You!!

I needed a quick drug test for visitation with my children. I called at 6am they answered and set me up with a place a couple miles from my house to go get the test done, that was on Wednesday, I had the results on Friday afternoon and was able to see my kids on Saturday. Thank you for the help!

Mark Broadhead - 2/12/2025

Very Fun and Easy

Trish last week and Tatiana this week, very fun and easy folks to deal with. Well be using them more and more in the future.

Tom O - 12/19/2024

Very professional and very quick

Very professional and very quick service to schedule appointments! I am pleased with the services and would definitely recommend using them for any drug testing needs!

Carrie Feerick - 4/19/2025


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