Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle testing services in Longs, South Carolina. Whether you require a drug or alcohol hair test, our specialty lies in hair testing, backed by a nationwide network of facilities capable of conducting hair analyses. Hair from the crown or body, measuring 1.5 to 2 inches, is typically used to detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or for specialized testing options.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend in drug testing methods pointing towards hair follicle tests. Many entities, including employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts, are opting for hair tests over conventional urine tests. This method is favored by zero-tolerance employers, court systems, and probation programs. Its key advantage is an extended detection window, usually up to 90 days, with supervised sample collection and resistance to tampering. However, for detecting recent drug use within a 5-day window, urine tests still maintain superior 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 analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands' structure as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing. For EtG, supplementary tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise weighing of the specimen. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Scalp hair refers exclusively to head hair, whereas body hair includes other types such as facial or axillary.
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the first processing of a sample within a lab's framework. This step ensures that the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to discount drug use in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is required for legal admissibility. Samples appearing positive during Screening necessitate a further confirmation step.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves retracting drugs from hair at considerably lower levels compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, explaining why hair drug testing presents the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any screening-positive outcome is executed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 specifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite sometimes being called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Longs, SC
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing reveals a more extensive history of drug use, making it ideal for employers, court systems, and probation officers. This non-invasive method ensures higher fidelity in results, reflecting an individual’s substance use patterns over time.
Extended Detection Window in Longs, SC
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug usage over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended detection window provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual’s substance history, facilitating informed decisions regarding employment and compliance with company policies. It's an invaluable tool in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Longs, SC
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy and indisputable results. The integrity of hair samples, combined with stringent collection processes, eliminates the type of tampering issues that can plague other testing methods, reinforcing the trust in the results derived from these tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Longs, SC
Our broad network of testing centers nationwide ensures that accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and hassle-free. From Longs, SC, to other parts of the country, individuals have easy access to swift testing services, alleviating logistical concerns and facilitating prompt testing irrespective of location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Longs, SC
The process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, ensuring ease of use and respecting privacy concerns. From the initial order to sample collection and result delivery, each step is streamlined to promote efficiency and discretion, offering reassurance that personal data and results are secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Longs, SC
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times offer organizations of all sizes significant value and peace of mind. With budget-friendly options and quick processing, businesses can effectively manage costs while ensuring the integrity and speed of their drug testing initiatives.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Longs, SC
The precision and swift processing of hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy in detecting substance use. With cutting-edge technology, these tests deliver reliable results quickly, minimizing waiting periods and enhancing decision-making with confidence. Their reliability makes them a preferred choice for employers seeking dependable solutions in assessing drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Longs, SC
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering a safe working environment. This testing method not only supports corporate mandates but also provides peace of mind that company policies are upheld, protecting both employees and organizational interests.
