In Cats Bridge, Virginia, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests. If a hair drug or alcohol test is needed, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in these tests and operates centers in all cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair can be used. Hair tests provide options for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair tests.
Recently, drug testing has shifted towards hair follicle analyses. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts now prefer hair tests over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests benefit employers with drug-free policies, legal authorities, and probationers due to a lengthy detection window of up to 90 days, conducted under supervision, making them hard to deceive. However, urine tests remain optimal for recent drug use within 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.
The analysis of hair has emerged as a valuable method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a lengthy historical record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can show drug and alcohol use for around a 3-month period. It is easy to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample. In instances when scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. 'Body hair' denotes any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the sample's initial integration into a lab’s system. This phase entails checking if the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), along with any additional data entry tasks not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial assessment for potential drug abuse. Although it’s a cost-sensitive approach to exclude drug use in numerous samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples marked presumptively positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations relative to alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process, extending from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the underlying hair follicle.
In Cats Bridge, VA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine analysis in several ways. Hair tests detect drug use over an extended timeframe, providing a fuller picture of an individual’s substance use history. While urine tests are limited to recent drug use, hair testing captures patterns over several months, aiding in comprehensive assessments, particularly valuable for employers with strict policies.
Unlike urine tests that can be affected by recent drug abstinence, hair follicle tests demonstrate resilience against last-minute attempts to obscure drug use. This attribute offers a competitive edge to employers seeking a thorough understanding of an individual’s habits. Such reliability and effectiveness make hair testing a preferable method, reducing speculation and uncertainty.
Hair follicle testing presents an extended detection window up to 90 days in Cats Bridge, VA, offering employers an in-depth look at an employee's drug history. This comprehensive view is invaluable for organizations needing long-term substance use data. By covering a broad timeframe, hair tests provide insights into consistent patterns, enabling more informed decision-making in hiring and management processes.
The extended window of hair follicle testing is especially useful for positions with heightened safety concerns. Knowing an employee's long-term substance use allows employers to assess potential risks thoroughly. Hair testing arms organizations with the necessary data to uphold safety and maintain a healthy, productive workplace environment, fostering trust and accountability.
Hair follicle tests in Cats Bridge, VA, offer a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. Its reliability lies in its design, significantly reducing the possibility of sample tampering, thus ensuring unquestionable results. Employers can confidently rely on the outcomes, assured that they reflect true substance use, safeguarding workplace safety standards.
Given the complexities involved in altering hair test results compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing is naturally more secure. Its resistance to tampering prevents attempts to cheat the system, resulting in genuine and infallible readings. This integrity is vital for creating a trustworthy environment in workplaces, especially those adhering to zero-tolerance policies.
Locating a convenient testing center in Cats Bridge, VA, is hassle-free with our widespread network. Nationwide locations ensure easy access to hair follicle testing services. This accessibility is pivotal for organizations requiring prompt testing, reducing logistical challenges and fostering a seamless experience for both employers and employees.
The extensive network of local and nationwide testing sites underpins our commitment to accessibility and ease. Whether in urban centers or more remote areas, quick and convenient access to testing facilities becomes a standard service feature, ensuring that scheduling and testing do not disrupt daily operations or workflows.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cats Bridge, VA remains simple yet confidential, addressing any privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to receiving results, each step is streamlined for user convenience. Employees and employers can rest assured knowing their information is secure, maintained under strict standards of confidentiality and privacy.
Ordering and taking a hair follicle test is straightforward and respects individual privacy. By prioritizing confidentiality, the testing process unfolds smoothly, providing comfort to all parties involved. Employers and employees can confidently embrace this testing method, knowing their privacy is shielded and results are trustworthy.
Our hair follicle testing services in Cats Bridge, VA, boast affordable pricing structures and prompt turnaround times. These attributes deliver excellent value and assurance to companies of all sizes, empowering them to maintain safety standards without stretching budgets, while ensuring swift receipt of results for timely decision-making.
By combining competitive pricing with fast results, our hair follicle testing appeals to diverse business needs. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency ensures organizations can prioritize safety and compliance without financial strain. Quick feedback from test results allows businesses to seamlessly integrate testing into their broader operational strategies.
The hair follicle drug test offers fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes in Cats Bridge, VA. This method boasts remarkable precision in pinpointing substance use, ensuring that test results are both credible and swift. The effectiveness of this testing method plays a crucial role in maintaining workplace integrity and safety, reinforcing trust among employers and employees alike.
Hair testing accurately detects a wide array of substances with unparalleled speed, outpacing other methods. This efficiency ensures that employers in Cats Bridge, VA can make informed decisions quickly. With rapid result processing, hair follicle testing minimizes downtime for individuals and organizations concerned about drug use, making it a preferred choice over traditional methods.
Employers in Cats Bridge, VA, enjoy peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. By aligning with these testing methods, businesses mitigate legal risks and bolster workplace safety. This compliance framework ensures that organizations maintain operative standards without compromising safety and productivity.
Hair follicle testing aids in fostering a drug-free workplace environment, crucial for compliance and safety. It provides assurance to employers that their workforce adheres to necessary guidelines, ultimately enhancing overall morale. As a frontline defense method, hair testing helps maintain organizational integrity, aligning with both internal and regulatory standards.
