Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug analysis in South Hadley, Massachusetts. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol screening, Accredited Drug Testing is a leader in hair analysis, with facilities in every state Nationwide that can administer a hair test. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the head or body is necessary. Hair evaluations can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized hair tests.
Recently, the approach to conducting drug screenings has more commonly included hair follicle drug analyses. Numerous employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer a hair drug test over the traditional urine analysis. Hair follicle drug tests are favored by employers with strict anti-drug policies, judicial systems, and probationary individuals. The key advantage of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection timeframe, often up to 90 days, conducted under direct observation, making it nearly foolproof. However, if evaluating drug use within the past 5 days, the urine test remains the most reliable method.
* 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 regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biological markers within the strands, offering a prolonged overview of substance use over time. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can provide a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of about 200 strands, measuring 1.5 inches and equating to a #2 pencil’s width, close to the scalp will yield about 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for testing and verifying results. For EtG, additional analyses, or panels exceeding 10, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample applies. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair could be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in processing a drug test result in the lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into the lab system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary drug abuse check. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most cases, a confirmed positive is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower levels than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any initial positive outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Hadley, MA
When compared to traditional urine analysis, hair follicle testing proves superior in several ways. Its ability to detect longer drug usage windows ensures a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's history, providing deeper insights.
Moreover, hair testing isn't susceptible to manipulations common in urine tests. This feature eliminates doubts and assures both employers and authorities of the test's integrity and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in South Hadley, MA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended timeline for detecting substance use, capturing up to 90 days of usage history. This extensive window allows employers an informed view into historical usage patterns of employees or applicants.
The enhanced understanding gained from the prolonged detection period aids in making informed hiring decisions and maintaining a drug-free workplace in South Hadley, MA.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Hadley, MA
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the possibility of tampered samples compared to other methods. This characteristic guarantees that results remain trustworthy and indisputable, establishing confidence in the testing process.
By reducing risks of adulteration, hair testing stands as the most reliable approach in South Hadley, MA, offering peace of mind to those in need of accurate testing results.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in South Hadley, MA
With a network of testing centers across the nation, accessing hair drug testing services is straightforward. Our South Hadley locations ensure that individuals and businesses can promptly and conveniently get the tests they need.
By providing easy access to reliable testing sites, our services reduce the hassle and simplify the logistics of obtaining necessary drug screenings.
Simple, Confidential Process in South Hadley, MA
Our testing procedures are straightforward, designed to ensure privacy throughout the ordering, testing, and result-sharing phases. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns effectively, encouraging openness and ease in usage.
The commitment to confidentiality at every step reassures individuals and businesses in South Hadley, MA, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice for those seeking an assured process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Hadley, MA
Our competitive pricing model underscores our commitment to offering value. Coupled with quick turnaround times, we provide a solution that is both cost-effective and efficient for companies regardless of size.
Businesses in South Hadley, MA benefit from this ideal combination, enjoying not only savings but also the rapidity of obtaining crucial drug testing results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Hadley, MA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. Compared to other methods, they offer unparalleled accuracy, ensuring substance use is detected with high specificity. Such reliability makes hair testing a trusted choice.
With the capacity to deliver fast results, individuals and organizations in South Hadley, MA can rely on hair follicle testing for assured outcomes. This timeliness is critical in making informed decisions swiftly and accurately.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Hadley, MA
Employers prioritizing compliance with drug-free policies benefit from hair follicle testing. This approach not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a safer work environment by ensuring adherence to workplace standards.
By adopting thorough testing methods like hair follicle analysis, companies in South Hadley, MA can maintain peace of mind, knowing their workforce is compliant with essential health and safety protocols.