In Saugus, MA, Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug testing services. Specializing in hair testing for substances or alcohol, testing centers are available nationwide for convenient access. Hair from the head or body—ideally 1.5 to 2 inches—is used to assess for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other specialized possibilities.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become widespread, replacing traditional urine tests among employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals. With zero-tolerance policies, these tests provide a longer 90-day detection window, collected in a monitored process, and offer a higher resistance to sample tampering, although urine tests better capture recent use within 5 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 increasingly recognized as an invaluable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When hair is collected from near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Collection is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and it is easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, approximately 200 strands or about the diameter of a #2 pencil, close to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is processed into the lab's system, ensuring it was properly sealed and shipped. A Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) is assigned, and any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic custody system is completed.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substances. Though an economical way to eliminate the majority of samples that are drug-free, a positive screening outcome must be legally validated. Samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In cases where Screening suggests the presence of substances, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction. This process extracts drugs from hair at a lower concentration compared to techniques involving urine or oral fluid; hence, it is a challenging procedure.
Positive screens are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary. The entire process—from Accessioning to Confirmation—adheres to standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," this test actually examines the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saugus, MA.
Hair follicle drug tests enjoy superior accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Capable of detecting drug usage over a longer duration, they thwart evasion attempts, offering trustworthy results. Hair testing benefits settings with stringent drug use policies, providing heightened scrutiny and contributing to a safer environment.
Extended Detection Window in Saugus, MA.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a holistic perspective on an individual's substance use history, essential for making informed hiring decisions and fostering a safe working environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saugus, MA.
Hair follicle tests significantly curtail the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and undisputed outcomes. This robust testing method safeguards the integrity of results, making it a preferred choice for those implementing strict drug-use policies, bolstering organizational transparency and accountability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saugus, MA.
The widespread availability of our testing centers ensures seamless, accessible testing services nationwide, including in Saugus, MA. This convenience allows individuals and businesses quick and effortless access to essential drug testing, minimizing disruptions and operational inconveniences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saugus, MA.
Ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests is straightforward and private, reassuring users of their confidentiality. The process—from scheduling to receiving results—is streamlined to address privacy concerns and user-friendliness, positioning the service as a secure option for all testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saugus, MA.
Our competitive pricing ensures that hair follicle testing remains accessible to businesses of all sizes, complemented by swift turnaround times. These elements provide excellent value, enabling timely and informed decisions while maintaining budgetary constraints and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saugus, MA.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled, delivering highly accurate results swiftly. By adeptly identifying substance use patterns, these tests are indispensable for employers committed to maintaining safe, drug-free workplaces. The meticulous testing process ensures confidence and dependability in the findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saugus, MA.
Employing hair follicle testing assists companies in adhering to workplace drug-free regulations. By minimizing legal exposure and boosting workplace safety, these tests foster employer assurance and peace of mind. They serve as an integral component in sustaining a secure and law-abiding work environment.
