Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug analysis in Lancaster, Massachusetts. For those in need of alcohol or drug evaluations using hair samples, our expertise lies in hair assessments, with access to facilities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body suffice. These tests can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer tailored options.
In recent developments, hair follicle testing has increasingly supplanted standard urine tests in drug screenings. Employers, legal bodies, and substance abuse experts now favor hair samples due to their extended detection capabilities. This testing method is integral for employers with strict no-drug policies, courts, and probation scenarios. Hair testing's advantage lies in its 90-day detection timeframe and its resistance to tampering, though urine remains superior for recent use detection.
* 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 is recognized as an effective tool for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test result in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial processing into a lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-efficient to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening highly challenging to conduct.
Confirming any positive Screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Necessary washing is performed on all presumptive positive samples before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the scalp’s hair follicle
Among the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Lancaster, MA, is its unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests offer an insight beyond the short detection window that urine tests provide, capturing a broader history of substance usage, up to 90 days, hence yielding more comprehensive insights.
While urine tests are common, hair follicle testing proves superior in numerous aspects. Its advantages include a longer detection window and resistance to tampering, providing a clearer picture of someone's substance history than a urine test possibly could, making it the preferred choice for many organizations.
One compelling reason for choosing hair follicle testing in Lancaster, MA, is its extended detection window. This method can uncover drug use from as far back as 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual's substance consumption. Employers can gain deeper insights into an individual's history, making informed decisions thanks to these extensive timelines.
This prolonged detection period ensures that employers are well-informed about any habitual substance use, thus safeguarding their interests. The lengthy timeline that hair follicle tests offer captures months of data, standing as a more comprehensive investigative tool compared to other testing methods.
The strength of hair follicle testing in Lancaster, MA, lies in its exceptional tamper-resistant characteristics. With potential sample adulteration effectively minimized, the reliability of results remains intact and definitive, providing clear insights without the risk of tampered samples compromising the outcome.
This testing method mitigates risks of manipulation, making it a trusted tool in critical environments. By significantly reducing the chance of sample adulteration, hair follicle tests ensure that results are not only reliable but also trustworthy, reinforcing their status as a robust option.
For residents and employers alike in Lancaster, MA, the convenience of nationwide testing locations cannot be overstated. Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to testing services both nationally and locally. This accessibility facilitates hassle-free, quick testing experiences, accommodating various needs effortlessly.
Our expansive network, with centers spanning across many cities, ensures that the testing process remains smooth and efficient wherever you are located. Lancaster, MA, with its access to convenient local sites, benefits from the ease and speed of our testing services.
With a focus on simplicity and confidentiality, undergoing hair follicle testing in Lancaster, MA, becomes an effortless endeavor. The straightforward processes involved in ordering, taking, and receiving test results prioritize user privacy, addressing concerns related to confidentiality with utmost care.
Users can rely on a process streamlined to minimize complexities, thereby enhancing their experience. From test ordering to result retrieval, every step guarantees confidentiality, ensuring that concerns about privacy are put to rest effectively.
In Lancaster, MA, our approach towards hair follicle testing exemplifies affordable pricing with an emphasis on fast turnaround. These attributes present a compelling value proposition to companies regardless of size, underscoring the practical benefits through cost-effective solutions and speedy results delivery.
Our competitive pricing framework ensures that businesses receive excellent service without straining their budgets. Additionally, the fast turnaround of results not only adds value but provides peace of mind, keeping business operations running smoothly without the hassle of long waits for critical test outcomes.
In Lancaster, MA, the hair follicle drug test is synonymous with fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its design ensures precision in identifying substance use, leaving little room for error. This method accelerates the process, providing results that effectively inform decision-makers, ensuring that no time is wasted in the detection of illegal substances.
The speed of hair follicle testing sets it apart in the scene of drug tests. Unlike other methods, these tests deliver high precision without compromising on reliability. The accuracy level ensures that employers and authorities receive precise substance use insights, reinforcing trust in the process.
In Lancaster, MA, hair follicle testing empowers employers to enhance compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, companies mitigate legal risks while promoting safer work environments. This compliance strengthens organizational operations, providing employers with the assurance they require to maintain ethical standards.
Ensuring adherence to workplace policies, hair follicle testing fosters an environment of safety and legal integrity. Employers benefit from a thorough substance use overview of their workforce, reducing liabilities and bolstering their commitment to a drug-free workplace.
