Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Watertown, Massachusetts. For individuals in need of hair-based drug or alcohol evaluations, we are experts in this field, equipped with centers across all U.S. cities ready to conduct hair examinations. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body can be used. Tests can analyze drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair testing options.
In recent times, drug testing methods have increasingly incorporated hair follicle testing. Employers, courts, and substance abuse specialists often prefer it over the conventional urine analysis. This method is favored by companies with strict anti-drug policies, judicial systems, and probation officials. The primary advantage is its extended detection window, often up to 90 days, and its collection is observed, making it nearly foolproof. Yet, for detecting use within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the gold standard.
* 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.
The assessment of hair has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair delivers around a 3-month window to detect alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of approximately 1.5 inches, about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for evaluation and validation. For EtG, extended tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry not automated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial assessment for substances of misuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive result requires validation for legal acceptability. Any samples that tentatively test positive during Screening must undergo an additional confirmation step.
When a sample tentatively tests positive in the Screening phase, further hair is taken from the primary sample for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from hair at much lower densities than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a complex procedure.
Validation of any positive Screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positive results undergo a cleansing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing trumps traditional urine testing in Watertown, MA, by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle assessments provide an extended detection period, giving employers a clearer view of an individual's substance history. These tests significantly reduce risks of manipulation, hence ensuring trustworthy results.
Hair follicle testing in Watertown, MA, boasts an impressive detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers a thorough understanding of a potential hire or current employee’s substance use history, supporting informed choices that align with company standards and values. It provides a more holistic view compared to shorter window tests.
Watertown, MA's hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method for substance detection. These assessments drastically minimize the possibility of sample tampering, yielding conclusive results. Employers gain confidence in the accuracy of outcomes, knowing that the integrity of each test remains uncompromised, securing reliable and legitimate findings.
Convenience is paramount with our nationwide and local testing centers in Watertown, MA. Offering quick and hassle-free access to testing services, our extensive network ensures that individuals and employers alike can benefit from seamless and efficient testing experiences, eliminating logistical challenges and streamlining the screening process.
In Watertown, MA, our process for hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, every step respects privacy and ease of use. Our streamlined procedures cater to concerns about confidentiality, ensuring that individuals can rely on a secure and discreet testing experience.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing in Watertown, MA, provide excellent value to companies of all sizes. Affordable rates combined with quick result delivery ensure that businesses can execute timely decisions without breaking the bank, enhancing operational efficiency and financial prudence.
In Watertown, MA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swift results. They are highly accurate, detecting substance use with remarkable speed. The efficiency of hair testing delivers peace of mind to employers, guaranteeing timely and dependable insights into employees' drug use, facilitating better decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Watertown, MA, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, granting peace of mind to employers. Utilizing this method reduces legal risks while boosting workplace safety. Precision in detection aids in maintaining a secure work environment, fostering trust and satisfaction among staff and stakeholders.
