Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in South Amherst, Massachusetts. For those needing hair drug or alcohol analysis, Accredited Drug Testing excels in hair evaluations, with facilities in cities Nationwide capable of such tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair is needed. Hair exams can determine the presence of drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized.
Lately, drug assessment has increasingly adopted hair follicle testing. Many workplaces, judiciary bodies, and Substance Abuse experts prefer hair analysis over regular urine tests. Hair follicle evaluations are ideal for zero-tolerance organizations, courthouses, and probationers. A chief advantage is its extended drug detection span, typically up to 90 days, with direct observation and high reliability. Yet, for assessing recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain 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 analysis is now regarded as a robust method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and simplifies shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred sample size for both preliminary and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Concerning head hair, this refers only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental steps in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the sample's entry into a laboratory's database. During this, the sample’s seal and shipping validity are verified, a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any supplementary data entry needed is completed if not already provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an expedited assessment for abuse substances. While a cost-effective method for eliminating drug use in most specimens, a confirmed positive result is mandatory for legal presentation. Specimens with a preliminary positive screen necessitate further verification.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at concentrations lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and conforms with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Amherst, MA.
When choosing between hair and urine testing, hair assessments offer clear advantages. Hair tests capture drug use history over several months, allowing employers insights into long-term usage patterns. This is a stark contrast to urine tests, which only reflect recent use.
Extended Detection Window in South Amherst, MA.
Employers gain a broad understanding of an individual's drug use history through hair follicle testing, capable of detecting substance use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe provides a trustworthy and thorough overview of prospective employees' substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Amherst, MA.
One of the most secure testing measures, hair follicle analysis significantly mitigates the risk of tampering. The secure collection and analysis process prevents adulteration, ensuring the dependability and integrity of the results generated.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Amherst, MA.
Our nationwide network of testing facilities ensures accessible and hassle-free service. The ability to conduct testing locally or near one's location enhances convenience, making it easy for individuals and companies to comply with testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Amherst, MA.
Our hair follicle testing procedure guarantees ease and confidentiality, from ordering to testing and result retrieval. Every step respects privacy concerns, ensuring that individuals feel secure and confident during the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Amherst, MA.
Offering competitive rates and swift processing times, we deliver exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. With cost-effective solutions and rapid result delivery, employers can make informed decisions confidently and efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Amherst, MA.
Hair follicle drug testing provides unrivaled precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. The accuracy of detecting drugs in hair is significantly higher due to sophisticated testing methods, which reduce false positives and deliver dependable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Amherst, MA.
Employers benefit from using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace legislation. This testing method reduces legal exposures and bolsters safety, offering assurance in a well-managed, drug-free environment.