Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Covesville, Virginia. If you're in need of a drug or alcohol test utilizing hair samples, our experts specialize in this method, with facilities available nationwide for your convenience. A hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the scalp or body is typically sufficient for testing. Hair samples can be tested for various substances, including alcohol/ETG, or customized for specific needs.
Over recent years, hair follicle drug testing has been increasingly adopted as an efficient method for substance detection. Organizations such as employers with zero-tolerance policies, legal entities, and substance abuse professionals are opting for hair drug tests over traditional urine analyses. The key benefit lies in its extended detection period, which can identify drug use up to 90 days prior. This method involves direct observation during sample collection, making it extremely challenging to tamper with. Despite its advantages, urine testing remains more precise for detecting very recent drug use, typically within the last 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 analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair allows for an extended historical overview of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use information spanning up to around a 3-month timeframe. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal example for screening and confirming. For EtG assessments, supplemental tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unusable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be utilized. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test finding are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial handling of a specimen within a laboratory's system. This consists of checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any leftover data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial expedited examination for substances of abuse. Screening, while economical for ruling out drug usage in most cases, requires a positive screen to be substantiated for legal admissibility. Any samples appearing presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lesser concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), establishing hair drug screening as one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Positive screening results are verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples get washed prior to confirmation as dictated by necessity. The entire laboratory method, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analyses:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Covesville, VA
In Covesville, VA, hair testing provides distinct advantages over urine tests. Hair samples offer an extended detection period, showcasing ingestion history over months rather than days. This superior detection accuracy is invaluable for employers enforcing stringent drug-free policies. Compared to urine tests, hair results are more reliable, minimizing false outcomes and offering peace of mind.
Extended Detection Window in Covesville, VA
Hair follicle testing in Covesville, VA reveals drug use patterns over an extensive timeframe, up to 90 days. This method delivers a comprehensive profile of an individual’s substance use, surpassing shorter detection windows of other testing methods. Employers benefit by gaining insights into long-term behaviors, facilitating more informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Covesville, VA
Hair follicle tests in Covesville, VA are designed to significantly reduce the chances of specimen tampering. The collection process is overseen carefully, ensuring sample integrity and eliminating opportunities for manipulation. This brings a high level of trust and credibility to the results, ensuring that outcomes are both reliable and unquestionable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Covesville, VA
Testing convenience is paramount in Covesville, VA, thanks to our widespread network of testing centers across the nation. Local facilities ensure that individuals and employers alike can access testing services without the hassle of lengthy travel. This ease of access ensures that necessary testing is conducted promptly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Covesville, VA
Our process in Covesville, VA is straightforward and respects client confidentiality. Ordering, performing, and receiving test results are streamlined and designed to protect personal information. This ensures that individuals and businesses alike can engage with our services with confidence and ease, knowing that their privacy is upheld.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Covesville, VA
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our services in Covesville, VA offer exceptional value. Companies of all sizes benefit from cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed, reinforcing our commitment to provide quick and reliable results that meet organizational needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Covesville, VA
Hair follicle drug tests in Covesville, VA are known for their precision and rapid outcomes. These tests are highly efficient in detecting a wide range of substances accurately. The speed at which results are delivered enhances decision-making processes for both employers and individuals, ensuring that all involved parties receive the most reliable data concerning substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Covesville, VA
Employers in Covesville, VA find peace of mind in utilizing hair follicle testing as it aligns seamlessly with drug-free workplace mandates. This practice not only bolsters compliance with legal and regulatory standards but also significantly reduces liability risks. The outcome is a safer and more productive working environment for all employees.