Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Brookside, Ohio. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, our company is highly skilled in hair testing and has facilities nationwide, including in all major cities, to conduct these tests. Typically, you'll need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the top of your head, but body hair can often be used as well. Hair analysis can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specific options.
Over the past few years, hair follicle drug testing has increasingly become a preferred method for detecting drug use. Many workplaces, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals are opting for hair tests over the traditional urine exams. Employers with strict drug-free workplace policies, as well as judicial entities and probation officers, are now requiring these tests. The main advantage of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection timeframe, often up to 90 days. The test collection is supervised, making it very difficult to tamper with, but for detecting recent drug use—within the past 5 days—urine tests remain more accurate.
* 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 now recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. Obtaining hair near the scalp can offer a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprised of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s diameter) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the prime sample for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, supplemental tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. ‘Head hair’ specifically refers to scalp hair. ‘Body hair’ denotes all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome encompasses four chief steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes preliminary processing into the laboratory's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial assessment for substances of abuse. While this approach is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be considered valid in legal contexts. Presumptive positive samples from Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample proves to be presumptively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair from the original specimen is extracted and readied for further analysis. In this Extraction phase, drugs are separated from the hair at a far lower concentration compared to other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Final Confirmation of positive screening entails the use of GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo requisite washing before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the total laboratory workflow is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," this assessment actually evaluates the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brookside, OH
Creating a robust argument for hair follicle testing over urine examines its precision and reliability. Hair tests cover a broader period with their detection window, making them far more effective at revealing patterns of substance use. This method's accuracy surpasses that of urine tests, providing a detailed view of an individual's drug history, which is invaluable for employers and authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Brookside, OH
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection timeframe that extends up to 90 days of drug use history. This expansive window offers employers a thorough assessment of an applicant or employee's past activities. Such comprehensive insight is crucial for making well-informed decisions and for maintaining transparency and accountability in workplace environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brookside, OH
One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. This method considerably reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are reliable and unquestioned. Employers and professionals can depend on the integrity of the test outcomes, fostering trust in the testing process and its results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brookside, OH
Our expansive network of testing centers, including those in Brookside, OH, offers straightforward and convenient access to drug testing services. This nationwide reach ensures that testing is simple and accessible, allowing individuals and businesses to undergo testing without hassle or logistical concerns.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brookside, OH
The process for hair follicle testing is streamlined and ensures confidentiality throughout. From scheduling the test to receiving results, the focus remains on privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns regarding the ease of use. This client-centric approach guarantees that all stages of the testing process prioritize discretion and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brookside, OH
Our competitive pricing models and rapid turnaround times provide exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes. Hair testing is not only cost-effective but also time-efficient, ensuring that businesses receive quality assurance without delays, thereby supporting effective decision-making and operational continuity.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brookside, OH
The efficacy of hair follicle drug tests is evident in their swift and dependable results. Their precision ensures that detection of substance use is highly accurate. When speed and reliability are critical, hair testing stands out by offering quick turnaround times and certainty in identifying drug use, making it a trusted choice for both individuals and organizations needing prompt answers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brookside, OH
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps organizations adhere to drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating potential legal issues and enhancing safety. This testing approach allows employers to maintain a compliant work environment, providing them with assurance and peace of mind knowing that their workforce is adhering to the set standards.
