In Dale City, Virginia, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol test, our expertise in hair testing is supported by numerous centers across the nation. Typically, about 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body is needed for the test. Hair analysis can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific requirements.
Hair follicle drug testing has become increasingly common for drug screening in recent years. Employers, legal authorities, and substance abuse counselors are opting for this method over traditional urine tests. This approach is favored by those enforcing strict no-drug policies, legal systems, and probation scenarios. Its main advantage is its extended detection window—up to 90 days—which is conducted securely, making manipulation nearly impossible. However, urine tests remain superior for detecting 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.
The utilization of hair examination is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When hair is severed close to the scalp, it may reveal substance use for up to nearly 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and can be easily transported.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) located near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG (Ethyl Glucuronide), additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. When talking about head hair, we're specifically indicating scalp hair. Any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.) are considered body hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry if not provided via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening undertakes a preliminary quick assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug presence in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Dale City, VA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. One primary benefit is its superior detection period, spanning up to 90 days, compared to urine tests with shorter windows. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive screening, reducing the chances of drug use going undetected.
Aside from a long detection window, hair tests are less invasive and observed, reducing the possibility of tampering. This observed collection process ensures more accurate results, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice for those enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window
Employers in Dale City, VA, benefit from the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing, which reaches up to 90 days. This lengthy window allows for a thorough assessment of an employee or applicant's recent drug history, facilitating informed hiring and retention decisions.
An in-depth evaluation of substance use is crucial for maintaining a safe and productive workplace environment. By leveraging hair follicle tests, employers can better understand drug use patterns over time, making it an essential tool in their scrutiny process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests conducted in Dale City, VA, are known for their robustness against tampering. The observational collection of hair samples makes it incredibly challenging to adulterate, ensuring reliable results that stakeholders can trust without question.
The inherent difficulty in manipulating hair samples ensures that the drug testing process remains uncontaminated, yielding results that accurately reflect an individual's drug use history. This security measure is invaluable for maintaining the integrity of the testing outcome.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With many testing centers available nationwide and locally in Dale City, VA, accessing hair follicle drug testing is hassle-free. The widespread availability ensures you receive a quick and convenient testing experience, critical for time-sensitive situations.
Providing services across numerous locations means individuals and companies can easily schedule tests, circumventing the logistical difficulties typically associated with drug screening. This accessibility plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Dale City, VA, hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. This no-fuss process respects your privacy while providing clear, reliable results. From registration to reception of results, every step is designed to prioritize confidentiality and ease of access.
The straightforward ordering and testing system reduces the burden often felt during drug testing. Clients rest easy knowing that sensitive data is handled with the utmost discretion, allowing for stress-free participation in the testing program.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our hair follicle testing services are priced competitively in Dale City, VA, offering great value for businesses of all sizes. Alongside affordability, we promise fast turnaround times, providing peace of mind and efficient decision-making support.
Businesses can take advantage of this cost-effective solution, which ensures they remain compliant and informed without financial strain. The rapid processing of results enables timely and decisive action in workforce management or legal compliance matters.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Dale City, VA, hair follicle testing stands out for its precision. With a reputation for delivering quick and accurate results, this method is highly effective in detecting substance use. The ability to promptly identify drug use without compromising on accuracy makes it an invaluable tool for organizations and individuals alike.
Accuracy is paramount when it comes to drug testing, and hair follicle tests are designed to meet the highest standards. The efficiency of this testing method ensures that individuals and employers can rely on the results for informed decision-making without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Dale City, VA, can secure peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which guarantees compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method diminishes legal risks while enhancing safety standards, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
By opting for hair testing, employers can align with regulatory expectations and uphold their zero-tolerance demands. The credible results derived from this testing perpetuate a trusted framework upon which workplace safety is scaffolded.
