Accredited Drug Testing provides thorough hair follicle drug testing in Chester, VA. Whether you require a hair-based drug or alcohol examination, we are experts in hair testing and offer facilities across the nation to conduct such tests. Generally, at least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body is needed. Hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer personalized testing options.
Recently, drug testing methods have increasingly featured hair follicle drug tests. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer them over traditional urine tests. Hair tests are utilized by organizations with strict anti-drug use policies, judicial entities, and probationary individuals. The key advantage of hair testing is its 90-day detection window, making tampering difficult, though urine tests excel for recent drug use within 5 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 is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. It captures a long-term history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for a detection period of up to three months. The collection of hair is uncomplicated, hard to tamper with, and can be easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, which serves as the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a swift preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to negate drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be deemed valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation process.
If Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire pathway from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair shaft itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Chester, VA
Hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over traditional urine tests. One primary benefit is its excellent detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are limited, hair tests paint a fuller picture, identifying substance use over a longer duration with higher precision.
With improved detection capabilities, hair tests minimize the risk of undetected drug use. Unlike urine sampling, hair tests are less prone to tampering, ensuring authentic and trustworthy results every time.
Extended Detection Window in Chester, VA
Hair follicle testing is valued for its ability to reveal drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, which is vital for maintaining a safe workplace.
The extended detection window affords employers a substantial advantage, as it reveals patterns that short-term tests like urine might miss. This comprehensive insight assists in making informed employment decisions and managing workplace risk effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Chester, VA
Hair follicle tests offer a high level of security, significantly lowering the likelihood of sample tampering. Thanks to the robust collection process, the results produced are reliable, maintaining the integrity of the testing.
By selecting hair testing, one ensures that the samples cannot be easily altered. This tamper-resistant quality means stakeholders can trust the results, knowing they are accurate and unadulterated, thus supporting their decision-making processes confidently.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Chester, VA
Our network of nationwide testing centers ensures that drug testing is convenient and accessible. Whether in Chester, VA, or any other city, hair follicle testing services are just around the corner, simplifying the testing process.
These strategically located facilities make it easy for individuals and organizations to access our services quickly and efficiently. No matter where you are, a hassle-free testing solution is available to meet your needs without unnecessary delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Chester, VA
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and ensure privacy at every step. Ordering a test, providing the sample, and receiving results are all handled with utmost confidentiality.
This simplicity reduces potential stress associated with testing, while maintaining results' privacy is paramount. Our clients' information remains secure, giving them peace of mind through a user-friendly and discreet testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Chester, VA
Our competitive pricing structure ensures that hair follicle testing is accessible to businesses of all sizes. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, we provide excellent value, helping companies manage their drug-testing programs efficiently.
Not only does this make our services appealing, but it also reassures businesses that they are receiving top-tier testing without breaking the bank. Quick results and affordable rates foster trust and support companies in maintaining workforce integrity.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Chester, VA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering precise and timely results. Their ability to detect substance use accurately makes them a top choice for many. This testing method ensures that results are both swift and dependable, offering peace of mind in uncertain situations.
The speed at which results are processed assures you of quick turnarounds, ideal for those needing fast assessments. Not only is the speed notable, but the accuracy is also unparalleled, reducing the chances of false positives or negatives significantly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Chester, VA
Using hair follicle testing methods assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. This compliance is crucial to reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safe, productive work environment.
Implementing these tests not only meets regulatory and compliance standards but also enhances peace of mind. Employers can rest assured knowing their teams are not under the influence of drugs, which contributes to overall company success and employee safety.
