Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Andover, New York. Specializing in hair and alcohol testing, our centers are available in every city nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. We offer analyses for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other specialized options.
Hair follicle drug testing has become increasingly popular for detecting substances. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals often choose this method over standard urine testing. It's favored for those with zero-tolerance policies due to its 90-day detection period, accuracy during observed collection, and resistance to tampering. However, urine tests are preferred for substance use within the past 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 testing is increasingly recognized as a strong method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When taken near the scalp, this hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands near the scalp (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil), provides 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, the same quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes a drug test result through four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample enters the lab’s system, where it’s ensured that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples that test positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
For samples that are positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed pre-confirmation as appropriate. Every step from Accessioning to Confirmation in the lab process is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Andover, NY Hair testing offers an extended detection window for substances, identifying patterns of use several months prior. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent drug intake, hair tests ensure inaccuracies due to recent consumption are reduced.
The specificity of hair follicle testing eliminates false negatives, ensuring employers and authorities receive reliable data.
Extended Detection Window in Andover, NY Hair follicle tests provide insight into drug use over a 90-day period. This extensive detection window grants employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance consumption history.
This broad timeframe allows companies to identify consistent drug use patterns, aiding in making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Andover, NY Hair follicle tests are largely tamper-proof, ensuring integrity in results. Attempts to alter sample authenticity are significantly minimized.
This technique's resilience against adulteration offers peace of mind to employers, as it provides unquestionable, reliable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Andover, NY Our extensive network of testing centers ensures easy access across the nation. Local sites in Andover facilitate hassle-free testing for residents.
This widespread availability eliminates travel inconveniences, providing a straightforward approach to obtaining necessary services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Andover, NY Engaging with our hair follicle testing services is seamless. Ordering, testing, and receiving results is straightforward and private.
Confidentiality is paramount, assuring individuals and employers of secure and discreet handling of sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Andover, NY We offer competitive pricing structures, ensuring our services are accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Fast turnaround times further provide great value, allowing companies to make timely decisions without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Andover, NY Hair follicle testing is unmatched for precision and speed in obtaining results. These tests effectively detect drug usage with a high degree of accuracy, even long after substance consumption.
This test's rapid processing time ensures prompt feedback, making it ideal for employers and legal situations where quick decision-making is necessary.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Andover, NY Utilizing hair follicle drug tests upholds compliance with workplace drug policies. These tests mitigate legal risks, enhancing workplace safety standards.
Employers gain assurance that they meet regulatory requirements while maintaining a healthier, safer work environment.