Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Mansfield Center, Massachusetts. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol screening, we are your experts in hair testing, with centers available in all cities nationwide. You typically need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown of your head or from the body. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for other testing needs.
Recently, drug testing methods have increasingly favored hair follicle tests. Such tests are now commonly required by employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals instead of the traditional urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and individuals on probation find hair follicle tests preferable. The main advantage is their extended detection period for drugs, up to 90 days. Collected under supervision, they are nearly impossible to tamper with. However, urine tests remain preferable for detecting recent drug use within five days.
* 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 a highly effective method for uncovering the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer a comprehensive historical record of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it provides a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. This method of collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches composed of roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) positioned nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If head hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug test results consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system, ensuring it was sealed and transported correctly, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient means of eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that show presumptive positivity in screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized for Confirmation of any positive screening results. All samples that are presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Mansfield Center, MA, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the primary benefits is the longer detection window—up to 90 days—providing a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history. In contrast, urine tests are limited to a much shorter detection period, making them less effective for long-term analysis.
The reliability of hair tests leads to their increased demand among employers who prioritize zero-tolerance policies. Hair tests offer definitive evidence of past substance use, reducing the risk of false results often associated with urine tests due to potential adulteration or accidental contamination. This accuracy is critical for making informed employment decisions.
In Mansfield Center, MA, hair follicle tests reveal drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days, surpassing the limitations of shorter-term detection methods. This extended window provides employers with a detailed history of an individual’s substance use, supporting more informed recruitment or employment decisions.
This comprehensive overview offered by hair testing is invaluable. Companies in Mansfield Center can access detailed reports on applicants or employees, thus ensuring they maintain the highest standards of safety and reliability within their workforce. The ability to detect long-term use can prevent potential issues and enhance workplace integrity.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of tampered samples in Mansfield Center, MA. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered, hair samples provide a secure and tamper-resistant testing method. This reliability ensures unquestionable results that employers and courts can confidently trust.
The rigorous standards of hair testing processes further emphasize their security. These tests are collected under controlled conditions, reducing the chances of deceitful practices. Employers who adopt hair testing benefit from a dependable assessment, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.
With a network of nationwide centers, testing is convenient for residents and employers in Mansfield Center, MA. Our numerous locations offer easy access to services, ensuring quick and hassle-free hair follicle testing processes that cater to immediate needs without geographical limitations.
In addition to accessibility, local centers provide the same high standards of service one would expect nationally. This approach ensures a consistent and efficient experience for all clients, eliminating delays and reducing the effort required to conduct necessary testing procedures.
The process for hair follicle testing in Mansfield Center, MA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure is straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns effectively. This simplicity is appealing to both employers and individuals seeking secure testing options.
Maintaining confidentiality is paramount, especially for sensitive matters like drug testing. Clients can expect a process that respects their privacy at every stage, delivering results efficiently while ensuring personal information is kept secure throughout.
Mansfield Center, MA, clients benefit from affordable pricing structures for hair follicle tests, ensuring accessibility for businesses of all sizes. Competitively priced packages provide excellent value, reinforcing the decision to choose this reliable testing method for consistent and accurate results.
Besides cost-effectiveness, the fast turnaround times associated with hair tests further enhance their appeal. Employers receive quick and precise reports, allowing them to act on crucial information without delay, enhancing operational efficiency and workforce management.
The high precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an excellent choice in Mansfield Center, MA. Their ability to promptly and accurately reveal substance use is unmatched. Employers and professionals rely on these results for their consistency in uncovering drug use, which can facilitate quicker decision-making and ensure compliance with safety regulations in various industries.
Quick processing times further enhance the reliability of hair follicle tests. Employers in Mansfield Center benefit from receiving fast and accurate results, aiding in timely human resource decisions. This efficiency helps organizations maintain structured and effective operations, promoting a safe and productive work environment.
Employers in Mansfield Center, MA, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method is recognized for reducing legal risks associated with faulty testing, thus enhancing overall workplace safety and giving peace of mind to employers.
Using hair follicle tests, businesses demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a safe work environment. Employees are assured of a fair and effective testing process in place, which can deter substance misuse and promote a culture of transparency and responsibility within the organization.