Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests in Covington, Virginia. Specializing in hair testing, our centers across all U.S. cities can conduct these tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. Our hair analysis can test for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored to other needs.
In recent years, hair follicle drug tests have become more common for drug screening. They are favored by employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts over standard urine tests. The primary advantage of hair testing is the extended detection window up to 90 days, collected under observation, making it nearly impossible to cheat. However, urine tests remain the most accurate for drug use 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 is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's structure. When sampled close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximate 3-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes these four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and adds any supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody service.
Screening performs a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While Screening economically excludes drug use in most samples, positive screens require confirmation for court admissibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
If hair samples test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is drawn from the initial collection and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing presumptively positive are thoroughly washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Covington, VA? The primary advantage of hair testing is its superior detection accuracy. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair testing reveals a broader substance history.
Hair follicle tests are less likely to be tampered with compared to urine tests, ensuring the reliability of the results. This confidence in outcomes makes them highly preferable for employers enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Covington, VA is a key benefit of hair follicle tests. Unlike conventional tests, they detect drug use up to 90 days prior.
This wide detection scope offers employers insights into long-term behavior patterns, aiding in better decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Covington, VA ensures the credibility of hair follicle tests. Unlike urine samples, hair samples are nearly impossible to contaminate or swap.
This aspect provides organizations peace of mind, knowing that the results are genuine and shielded from manipulation, enhancing the security of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Availability in Covington, VA means easy access to drug testing services. Our network ensures a quick and hassle-free experience.
This convenience makes the testing process seamless, helping maintain efficient operations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Covington, VA offers privacy and ease. We ensure that ordering, taking, and receiving test results are secure and straightforward processes.
Concern for personal data is priority, so processes are streamlined to ensure confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively, and building trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Covington, VA delivers superior value to companies. Our competitive pricing ensures access to high-quality testing without excessive costs.
The swift turnaround of results means businesses can promptly take necessary actions, maximizing both financial and operational efficiency, and maintaining peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate Results in Covington, VA offer reliability businesses and organizations can count on. Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision in detecting substances, offering reliable outcomes.
The speed of hair follicle testing adds a layer of efficiency, ensuring timely results without sacrificing accuracy. Employers can confidently make informed decisions based on the findings, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Covington, VA are effectively achieved through hair follicle testing. These tests enable adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
By utilizing hair testing, legal risks are minimized, thus fostering a safe and compliant work environment. Employers can rest assured that their policies are being upheld with integrity.
