Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Alexandria, Virginia. Whether you're in need of a drug or alcohol test, our expertise in hair testing extends nationwide with centers available in every city that can conduct these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is required for testing, which can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for specific needs.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more common component of testing procedures. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts are increasingly opting for hair tests over urine tests. Hair tests are favored by employers for their zero-tolerance policies, as well as courts and probation officers, due to their extended detection period of up to 90 days, secure collection process, and resistance to tampering. However, urine tests remain preferred for determining recent drug use within the last five 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 has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record for long-term alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be used, a similar amount of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This incorporates confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need a further confirmation step.
If a sample exhibits a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are separated from hair at much lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is completed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Alexandria, VA, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are more adept at unveiling a person’s substance usage history over a longer period, which is critical for employers seeking to enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively. This accurate detection makes hair testing a more dependable choice.
Alexandria, VA, employers greatly benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This comprehensive period offers a broad picture of substance use history, allowing businesses to make informed decisions regarding potential or current employees' behaviors and enforcing substance policies more effectively.
For those in Alexandria, VA, wanting assured reliable results, hair follicle tests are invaluable. These tests substantially diminish the risk of tampering or adulteration, providing trustworthy and conclusive findings. Thanks to the difficulty of manipulating these samples, businesses can trust the authenticity of the results they receive.
Convenience is key with our testing services in Alexandria, VA. With testing locations scattered nationwide, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free. For both local residents and employers, this network of testing centers ensures that conducting necessary drug testing is both quick and efficient.
Residents and employers in Alexandria, VA, can appreciate our straightforward and confidential testing process. From placing an order to receiving results, the entire procedure is designed to be user-friendly while prioritizing privacy. This seamless process ensures that all involved feel secure and informed at every step.
Our cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround times in Alexandria, VA, offer great value for businesses of all sizes. By combining affordability with efficiency, we provide an excellent option for those seeking quick results without compromising on quality or accuracy. The value offered enhances peace of mind for all clients.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Alexandria, VA, make them ideal for those seeking fast, accurate answers. Hair testing is well-regarded for its reliability, offering high accuracy when it comes to detecting substance usage over time. Results are not only dependable but are also processed quickly, allowing for swift decision-making and action within professional and legal frameworks.
In integrating hair follicle testing, Alexandria, VA, employers can secure compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Such measures not only ensure a healthier, safer working environment but also significantly mitigate potential legal risks. The knowledge that these testing methods provide offers peace of mind for both employers and employees alike.
