Accredited Drug Testing ensures comprehensive hair follicle drug evaluations here in Northfield, Massachusetts. Specializing in hair tests for both drugs and alcohol, our extensive network spans cities across the nation, including venues in Northfield. Typically requiring 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body, these analyses can identify a range of substances, from drugs to alcohol/ETG, and offer tailored testing solutions.
Hair follicle analyses have increasingly become the preferred method in recent years. Employers, legal systems, and substance abuse professionals demand them over traditional urine tests. An invaluable tool for zero-tolerance workplaces, judicial settings, and probation monitoring, these tests boast a detection window of up to 90 days with observed collection. Nevertheless, for drug use in the past 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.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures extended histories of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When procured from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around three months for both alcohol and various drugs. Collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An ideal sample consists of a 1.5-inch section with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, amounting to 100mg, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This includes ensuring the sample’s seal and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination to identify drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for dismissing drug use for most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumed positive samples are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Northfield, MA
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are significant. Hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a longer detection period for substance use. In Northfield, MA, businesses prefer hair testing for its ability to uncover comprehensive substance use, proving an invaluable tool compared to traditional urine evaluations.
Extended Detection Window in Northfield, MA
Hair follicle testing stands out with its extended detection period, capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days. This long timeframe offers employers in Northfield, MA, a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug history, ensuring they have a full picture of potential hires or current employees in maintaining a safe workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Northfield, MA
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its robustness against tampering. This reduces risks of adultery significantly, ensuring Northfield, MA, employers receive trustworthy results. By relying on hair samples immune to common evasion tactics, businesses can maintain integrity and reliability in their drug testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Northfield, MA
Accredited Drug Testing takes pride in offering a vast network of testing centers across the country. In Northfield, MA, this convenience translates into swift and accessible hair follicle testing services, eliminating hassle and ensuring superior service for both local employees and larger corporate structures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Northfield, MA
The straightforward nature of hair follicle testing is enhanced by a commitment to confidentiality in Northfield, MA. Individuals ordering, taking, and receiving results can trust in the simplicity and privacy of our processes, addressing concerns regarding confidentiality while ensuring ease of use for all involved parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Northfield, MA
Northfield, MA-based businesses benefit from competitive pricing and quick result delivery with hair follicle testing. Our pricing structure ensures value for companies of every size, while the fast turnaround times mean decisions can be made promptly, complementing the rapid pace of modern business environments.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Northfield, MA
The hair follicle drug test is distinguished by its unparalleled precision and speed. In Northfield, MA, these tests provide highly accurate detection, offering reliable insights into substance use history. In just a short timeframe, the method delivers results that employers can depend on to make informed decisions about candidates and employees.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Northfield, MA
Incorporating hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Northfield, MA. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety, businesses can maintain peace of mind, confident that their teams abide by substance regulations, fostering an environment conducive to productivity and security.