Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Bedford, VA. Whether you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol analysis, our expertise in hair testing ensures precise results. Our testing facilities are available nationwide, equipped to conduct hair evaluations. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body are required for assessment. Hair tests effectively screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and can be tailored for other specialized testing options.
In recent developments, hair follicle drug tests have become more prevalent in drug screening procedures. Judicial systems, employers, and Substance Abuse experts are increasingly opting for hair drug tests over traditional urine analyses. Employers enforcing strict no-drug policies, legal entities, and probationary officers favor this method. Hair follicle tests offer extended drug detection - up to 90 days, collected under direct supervision, and are nearly uncheatable. However, for identifying recent drug consumption, within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the preferred choice.
* 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 method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands create a historical record of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil thickness) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For tests such as EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected instead. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in processing a drug test result in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid check for drugs. Although Screening serves as a cost-saving measure to eliminate drug usage across most samples, a positive screen requires further confirmation to be valid in a legal context. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is retrieved and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), exemplifying why hair drug screening is the most complex approach to execute.
Positive Screen results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to verification, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often misused, as the analysis actually targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Bedford, VA, hair follicle testing proves to be superior compared to traditional urine tests, mainly due to its extensive detection accuracy. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair tests cover a substantial detection window, providing a broader view of substance use.
Hair tests offer more reliable results as they are less susceptible to manipulation. The method's inherent resistance to adulteration makes it a preferred choice for policies requiring high certainty and reliability.
Employers in Bedford, VA benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle drug tests. These tests can trace drug usage up to 90 days, providing a thorough insight into an individual's substance history.
This long detection window helps employers assess long-term patterns of drug use, invaluable for ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. The information obtained is crucial for informed hiring and monitoring.
The hair follicle testing method in Bedford, VA is notably tamper-resistant, greatly minimizing the possibility of sample alteration. The collection process is straightforward and difficult to compromise.
This robustness ensures that test outcomes are reliable and definitive. Employers and legal entities prefer this method due to its resistance against cheating, giving them peace of mind regarding the authenticity of the results.
With our expansive nationwide testing network and convenient local facilities in Bedford, VA, accessing drug testing services is straightforward. Our centers provide timely, hassle-free testing options for communities everywhere.
Providing quick and accessible testing locations ensures that individuals and businesses in Bedford, VA can utilize our services with ease, maintaining efficiency and reliability in drug testing.
The process of hair follicle testing in Bedford, VA is designed to be simple and confidential. From scheduling the test to receiving the results, every step ensures user privacy and straightforward navigation.
This user-friendly approach alleviates concerns about privacy and complexity, making it easier for individuals to comply with testing requirements without stress or confusion.
Our hair follicle testing services in Bedford, VA stand out for their affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Businesses of all sizes benefit from the cost-effective nature of our testing solutions.
Fast access to results combined with competitive pricing ensures excellent value. This approach provides financial assurance along with the timely availability of accurate information for all testing needs.
The accuracy of hair follicle drug testing in Bedford, VA sets it apart from other methods. Swift and precise results allow for timely and informed decision-making. The hair testing process is designed to deliver high-confidence outcomes, catching even the most subtle traces of substance use.
With its streamlined procedures, hair testing offers quick turnaround without sacrificing accuracy. The advanced scientific techniques employed ensure dependable results, making it highly trusted among employers and organizations.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Bedford, VA enhances compliance and peace of mind for employers. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, this testing reduces legal risks significantly.
Employers can foster a safer work environment by integrating hair testing, ensuring adherence to policy and safeguarding against potential liabilities associated with substance misuse.
