Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening in Westborough, MA. For individuals needing hair drug or alcohol testing, we are experts in this type of testing. With centers nationwide, testing is highly accessible. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head is needed, though body hair is also viable. Tests can assess drugs, alcohol/ETG, or customized hair testing options.
Recently, the use of hair follicle testing has grown over urine tests for drug screening. Employers, legal authorities, and substance abuse experts increasingly prefer hair tests. Used for zero-tolerance policies and probation situations, the chief advantage is its longer detection range, up to 90 days, and its observed collection makes it tamper-proof. Urine tests are still better for detecting recent drug use within five 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 testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered from near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This incorporates ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry unavailable through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances. While Screening is a cost-effective means of excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to be acceptable in legal contexts. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The Superiority of Hair Testing Over Urine Analysis in Westborough, MA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages. Its superior detection accuracy makes it a preferred choice. Not only does it provide reliable results, but it also grants a more comprehensive detection window.
Long-Lasting Detection Period in Hair Testing in Westborough, MA
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing can confirm drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a broader view of an individual's substance use history, leading to more informed decisions.
Reducing Tampering Risks with Hair Follicle Testing in Westborough, MA
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering. This makes them a reliable method for obtaining accurate results. Such resistance to manipulation provides confidence in the authenticity of test outcomes.
Accessible Testing Locations in Westborough, MA and Nationwide
Our extensive network of testing centers makes drug testing convenient for all clients. With quick and hassle-free access to our facilities, testing is straightforward and accessible.
Simplified and Confidential Hair Testing in Westborough, MA
Our testing process is both simple and confidential, offering ease of use and privacy. This ensures clients can easily order, undergo testing, and receive results discreetly.
Cost-Effective Hair Testing with Quick Turnaround in Westborough, MA
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times make us a top choice for businesses. We offer excellent value and reassurance for companies seeking reliable testing.
Efficiency and Precision in Hair Follicle Testing in Westborough, MA
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed in results. With advanced detection capabilities, these tests provide superior accuracy in identifying substance use. Such precision not only ensures reliability but also promotes trust in the results.
Ensuring Compliance and Security for Employers in Westborough, MA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This practice reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safer working environment.
