Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Virginia

Accredited Drug Testing has 425 hair drug testing centers in 800 VA cities.

Please select a city from the list below to find hair drug test centers in Virginia.

Hair drug screening, identified as hair follicle drug analysis, is a scientific technique utilized to discover drug consumption through examining hair specimens.

The process:

• Drug enters bloodstream: Upon drug use, the substance and its breakdown products (metabolites) infiltrate the bloodstream.
• Drugs reach hair follicles: Since each follicle is supplied with blood vessels, drugs are delivered from the bloodstream into the follicle.
• Drugs become embedded in hair: During hair growth, these chemical traces accumulate in the cortex of the hair strand.
• Hair specimen gathering: A hair sample is acquired, usually from the scalp (or body hair if scalp hair is insufficient).
• Laboratory examination: The hair sample is dispatched to a lab for analysis.
  • Screening: An initial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test is conducted to detect drug metabolites.
  • Confirmation: Should the ELISA test yield a positive, a more precise verification test like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is carried out to validate the existence of drug metabolites and to negate false positives.

Benefits of hair drug screening:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficult to bypass: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably challenging, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insights: It can outline a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not just recent consumption.

Drawbacks:

• Incapacity to identify recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to be traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Issues like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can impact the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Mobile/On-Site Drug Testing

If you're an employer needing to test 25 or more employees and looking to save time and money, we offer mobile on-site drug testing where we come to you. Call us today for more information.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Virginia

Hair follicle drug tests offer a combination of speed and precision. These tests detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy, reducing the likelihood of false results. For Virginia businesses, this means dependable data and informed decision-making.

The reliability of results from hair follicle tests helps establish strong workplace policies, protecting both the employees and the employer. With little room for error, this method ensures that the information received is trustworthy and actionable.

Extended Detection Window in Virginia

• Hair follicle testing covers a window of up to 90 days, offering superior insight into long-term substance use.
• This extensive coverage period presents a more detailed drug-use history compared to more transient testing methods.

The longer observation period afforded by hair testing is invaluable for employers. It enables more strategic workforce management by ensuring a thorough assessment of substance consumption.

For Virginia businesses focused on maintaining a safe and drug-free environment, this method supports better decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Virginia

One of the top advantages of hair follicle drug testing is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other methods susceptible to alteration, hair specimens maintain sample integrity effectively.

This robustness ensures that test results are dependable. Employers can trust the findings without worrying about manipulated samples, making it a fitting choice for critical roles and safety-sensitive positions.

Why is Hair Follicle Drug Testing Important

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Other Forms of Testing in Virginia

Compared to URINE tests, hair follicle testing offers unmatched accuracy and reliability. It can detect drug usage for up to 90 days, surpassing the limited window of URINE tests.

Moreover, hair follicle drug testing minimizes the chances of cheating, which is a common concern with URINE tests. Its precision and dependability provide a thorough analysis of drug use patterns.

• Longer detection period
• Reduces test evasion
• Higher accuracy