Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Swansea, Massachusetts. For those needing a hair drug or alcohol test, our specialty is hair testing with locations across all cities nationwide available to conduct these tests. Typically, you need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair at the crown or from the body for sample collection. Hair tests can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer various other testing solutions.
In recent times, drug testing practices have increasingly favored hair follicle tests. Many organizations, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer these over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests support zero-tolerance drug use policies of employers and legal guidelines for probation. A key advantage is the extended detection window, usually up to 90 days, and an observed collection method reduces cheating. Yet, urine tests excel at pinpointing drug use within the last 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 analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When referring to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While being a cost-effective measure to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Swansea, MA
Hair follicle testing offers several benefits over conventional urine tests, particularly in its superior accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use over time. With a detection period extending up to 90 days, hair tests provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, whereas urine tests offer a narrower window of recent use. This makes hair testing invaluable for thorough assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Swansea, MA
The most significant advantage of hair follicle tests is their extensive detection window, up to 90 days, allowing for a deep evaluation of an individual's substance use history. Employers benefit from the wealth of information these tests provide, helping them make informed decisions about hiring and maintaining workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Swansea, MA
Hair follicle testing greatly reduces the risk of sample adulteration or substitution, ensuring the integrity and reliability of test results. This testing method's robust nature provides unquestionable results, offering employers a high level of confidence in the accuracy of the drug testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Swansea, MA
Our network of testing centers, available nationwide and locally in Swansea, MA, ensures clients have quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug tests. This widespread availability means individuals and organizations alike can benefit from our reliable and convenient testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Swansea, MA
The process of ordering, administering, and receiving hair follicle test results is both straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy, ensuring that each step—from test scheduling to result delivery—is conducted with utmost discretion, accommodating clients' concerns for ease of use and security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Swansea, MA
We offer competitive pricing and quick result times, providing excellent value for businesses of any size. Our dedicated approach ensures that you receive timely information, supporting your company's needs while maintaining budget-friendly options without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Swansea, MA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision in capturing substance use data quickly and efficiently. The high accuracy rates of these tests provide a clear advantage, ensuring that any traces of drugs are reliably indicated, offering peace of mind for employers and individuals alike. Swift results minimize delays, supporting quick decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Swansea, MA
Implementing hair follicle testing allows employers to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety. This testing method offers employers peace of mind, knowing they are fostering a secure and drug-free work environment for everyone.
