Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug tests in Somerville, Massachusetts. If you're in need of a drug or alcohol hair test, our experts are ready and we've got specialized centers across the country, including in all cities, to conduct these tests. You'll generally need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body. Hair tests can analyze for drug and alcohol/ETG use or provide specialized testing choices.
In recent years, the approach to drug testing has increasingly involved hair follicle tests. Many companies, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse experts prefer hair tests over usual urine tests. Employers with strict anti-drug policies, courts, and those on probation often use hair follicle tests. The main advantage is the extended detection period, which is typically up to 90 days, administered via observed collection, making it virtually tamper-proof. However, for drug use detected within five days, urine tests remain the most precise.
* 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 has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When cut close to the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive finding necessitates further confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require a secondary validation.
In instances where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
When comparing drug testing methods in Somerville, MA, hair follicle tests outshine urine tests by a significant margin. These tests provide superior detection accuracy, making them the top choice for employers and courts requiring precise evaluation. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing eliminates short-term abstinence tactics and offers a robust depiction of an individual's drug usage patterns.
Additionally, hair follicle tests provide unparalleled reliability in contrast to urine tests. While urine analyses can be influenced by fluid intake and short-term detox methods, hair tests offer a more stable and unalterable record of substance usage, ensuring more dependable results. In Somerville, MA, this method is steadily becoming the preferred choice for detecting drug use.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug usage up to 90 days prior. This feature allows employers in Somerville, MA, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. Compared to short-term detection methods, hair testing offers a wide-angle view of an applicant or employee's drug use patterns.
This extended detection period equips businesses with vital information, making it easier to uphold workplace policies and ensure a drug-free environment. By offering a clearer picture of substance history, hair follicle testing empowers employers with crucial insights for better decision-making and risk management in Somerville.
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. In Somerville, MA, this testing method drastically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that stakeholders can trust. Urine samples, in contrast, can be tampered with more easily, making hair tests a more reliable choice.
Employers seeking unassailable evidence of drug use turn to hair follicle tests for their dependability. The meticulous collection process assures that the results are genuine, leaving little room for manipulation. Consequently, hair follicle testing in Somerville delivers unquestionable results, enhancing trust and confidence among employers and professionals alike.
Our testing services across Somerville, MA, benefit from a wide array of convenient locations, both nationwide and locally. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that accessing our centers is a hassle-free experience, making it easier for people to undergo required tests with minimal disruption to their lives.
With numerous testing centers strategically located across various cities, including Somerville, we pride ourselves on ensuring quick and simple access to our services. This availability is essential for on-demand testing, offering clients a seamless experience from start to finish, regardless of their location.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle tests in Somerville, MA, is designed to be both simple and confidential. Individuals can have peace of mind knowing that their privacy concerns are handled with the utmost care throughout the entire testing procedure.
Our straightforward approach ensures that everyone, from employees to employers, finds the process user-friendly and devoid of complexities. By guaranteeing confidentiality and simplification, Accredited Drug Testing creates a stress-free environment where individuals feel comfortable undergoing necessary drug testing.
In Somerville, MA, companies will find that our hair follicle drug testing offers not only quick turnaround times but also competitive pricing structures. This affordability ensures peace of mind for businesses of all sizes needing reliable employee screening solutions.
By choosing Accredited Drug Testing, companies receive top-notch service without breaking the bank. Our commitment to affordable pricing, alongside fast results, positions us as a leader in drug testing, delivering exceptional value to our clients while maintaining high standards of accuracy and service quality.
In Somerville, MA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision. As an advanced testing method, it rapidly detects various substances with remarkable accuracy. For those demanding quick and reliable results, hair follicle tests cater to that need by minimizing errors that might occur with other testing methods.
Furthermore, hair follicle tests in Somerville are renowned for their accuracy in detecting substance use. This testing approach is particularly adept at identifying illicit drug consumption over a longer timeline, ensuring that employers and legal entities receive dependable results promptly. The swift turnaround guarantees satisfaction and readiness in decision-making processes.
Employers in Somerville, MA, benefit significantly from the compliance and assurance provided by hair follicle drug testing. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal risks and fostering a safer working environment. Employers can be confident that employees are meeting established standards.
The use of hair follicle testing consolidates employer efforts in maintaining a drug-free workspace. By offering peace of mind through reliable results, this approach not only enhances workplace safety but also bolsters company reputation. Ultimately, businesses can enjoy smoother operations without the looming threat of substance abuse-related issues.