Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug analyses in Cambridge, New York. If you're in need of hair drug or alcohol evaluations, our expertise in hair assessments ensures that we have locations nationwide ready to conduct these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body can be used. Hair assessments can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or provide other tailored testing solutions.
Recently, hair follicle analyses have been increasingly integrated into drug testing protocols. Many employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse specialists favor hair drug analyses over traditional urine tests. These tests are favored by employers with no-drug-use policies, courts, and probationary individuals. A key advantage of hair drug analyses is their extended detection window of up to 90 days, collected under direct observation, making them nearly tamper-proof. However, for detecting very recent drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests still hold the highest accuracy.
* 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 recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term markers of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When citing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other body hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any additional data entry needed that hasn't already been covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be permissible in court. Samples that appear positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptively positive results are washed as necessary. Reviewing the entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cambridge, NY
Hair follicle tests provide a lengthy detection window, contrasting the shorter span of traditional urine tests. Their accuracy and reliability make them the preferred choice for many, facilitating a more thorough review of substance use habits.
Extended Detection Window in Cambridge, NY
Hair follicle testing can detect substance use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive analysis of an individual's history. This longevity in detection allows employers to achieve more complete assessments, surpassing the capabilities of other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cambridge, NY
Hair follicle assessments reduced sample tampering, ensuring results that are reliable and beyond dispute. This resistance to adulteration gives confidence in the integrity of the sample, making it an ideal choice for accurate substance use evaluation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Cambridge, NY
Nationwide, our testing centers provide simple and convenient access to hair follicle testing, including local Cambridge locations. This extensive network ensures rapid and hassle-free testing services are available to meet diverse needs promptly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cambridge, NY
The process for undergoing hair follicle testing is both straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, our discreet approach addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cambridge, NY
Our competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times position us uniquely to provide exceptional value. Companies of various sizes benefit from our cost-effective solutions, reinforcing peace of mind with prompt and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cambridge, NY
The precision of hair follicle drug analyses offers fast and dependable results, supporting stringent substance use detection. The high level of accuracy ensures that employers and agencies can reliably determine substance use, greatly aiding in maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cambridge, NY
Employers benefit from heightened compliance and safety standards by utilizing hair follicle testing. These tests diminish the legal risks linked with workplace drug use, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies and providing employers peace of mind.