Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts. If you require a hair drug or alcohol test, they focus on hair testing with facilities available in cities across the nation to conduct these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is needed. Hair tests are capable of screening for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other custom testing preferences.
In recent times, hair follicle drug tests have become a preferred method for drug screening. Many businesses, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals now opt for hair drug tests instead of traditional urine tests. This method is favored by employers enforcing strict drug-free policies, judicial systems, and probation services. A main advantage of hair follicle testing is its prolonged detection window for drug use, generally up to 90 days, with samples collected under supervision, making the process resistant to tampering. However, for detecting drug use within the last 5 days, urine tests maintain superior accuracy.
* 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.
The use of hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a lasting record of substances by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. By obtaining hair close to the scalp, it can provide a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp weighs around 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, supplemental tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we only refer to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test consists of four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment are intact, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that isn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial check for potential drug use. While it's an economical way to eliminate drug consumption for most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. All samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result in screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptive positive are cleansed as needed before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is comprehensively evaluated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In North Chelmsford, MA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine testing methods. Unlike urine tests, hair samples provide a more extended detection period, ensuring comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history. With superior accuracy and reliability, hair testing stands as a robust alternative, effectively identifying substance use patterns that might otherwise remain concealed with shorter-term screening approaches.
Employers in North Chelmsford, MA benefit from using hair follicle tests due to their extended detection window, reaching back as far as 90 days. This prolonged period enables a thorough review of an applicant or employee's substance use history, offering a clear, long-term perspective on their behaviors. Such comprehensive insights assist in making informed decisions aligning with workplace policies and reducing potential risks.
In North Chelmsford, MA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant method, reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. By collecting samples directly under observation and analyzing hair rather than liquid samples, this approach ensures the integrity and authenticity of test results. Such procedures play a crucial role in preventing false negatives, thus supporting accurate and unfalsified drug screening outcomes.
Convenience is key with testing services available in North Chelmsford, MA, and beyond, thanks to a vast network of nationwide centers. These easily accessible locations ensure that individuals and employers can partake in drug testing procedures quickly and conveniently. Traveling long distances for testing is unnecessary, as local and national centers offer hassle-free and prompt services, meeting diverse needs promptly.
In North Chelmsford, MA, the process for conducting hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the tests to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns regarding confidentiality. This user-friendly approach ensures individuals can engage in testing confidently, knowing their personal information is safeguarded throughout the process.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in North Chelmsford, MA an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. The value offered by these services supports cost-effective drug screening solutions without compromising quality. Companies can benefit from efficient testing processes that deliver rapid results and reinforce their commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
The quick and precise results of hair follicle drug tests are beneficial in North Chelmsford, MA. These tests are recognized for their high accuracy in identifying substance use, meeting the needs of employers and institutions seeking reliable testing solutions. Their ability to deliver fast results without sacrificing precision makes them a preferred choice, ensuring timely decision-making and maintaining high standards of workplace safety.
For North Chelmsford, MA employers, compliance and peace of mind are paramount, achieved through the use of hair follicle testing. This method strengthens adherence to drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. It's an effective strategy to uphold company standards, ensuring that hiring practices reflect stringent safety and compliance requirements.
