Accredited Drug Testing in Fairfax, Virginia offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Whether you require tests for hair drug or alcohol use, Accredited Drug Testing is your go-to expert with testing centers available across all cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is required from the crown of your head for a hair test, but body hair may be applicable. Tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer other customized hair testing solutions.
The use of hair follicle drug tests has gained traction for drug testing. More and more, employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals are opting for hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. This test is favored by employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, as well as courts and individuals on probation. Hair follicle drug tests offer a longer detection window for drug use—up to 90 days—employing an observed collection method that’s nearly impossible to tamper with. However, for drug use detection within the last 5 days, the urine test remains more precise.
* 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 increasingly recognized as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair furnishes an extended timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by encasing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprising approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) from the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent weight of body hair can be used. The reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the primary handling of a sample, integrating it into a lab’s system. This phase ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is an initial assessment for drug presence. Although Screening is cost-efficient for dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples that appear positive in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation step.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is set aside for Extraction. This phase involves removing drugs from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as needed. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category, adhering to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly misreferred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior
In Fairfax, VA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One of the key benefits is the extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days, far exceeding the limited period of urine tests. Hair testing provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug use patterns, revealing long-term habits rather than just recent consumption, making it a preferred method for thorough checks.
Hair follicle tests boast superior reliability and accuracy compared to urine tests. Unlike urine tests that can be easily manipulated, hair tests provide an observable and tamper-resistant procedure. This ensures a higher level of trust in results, as hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of false negatives or positive results due to external factors. Thus, Fairfax employers can rely on this method for stringent drug screening processes.
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window for drug use that spans up to 90 days in Fairfax, VA. Unlike other testing methods with shorter detection times, hair tests provide a thorough overview of an individual’s substance use history. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's behavior and decision-making concerning drugs over an extended period, aiding in making informed hiring and retention decisions.
Employers in Fairfax, VA, value the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing as it helps them maintain a drug-free workplace more effectively. By covering a wider time span, this method allows for the identification of patterns in drug use that might be missed by shorter-term tests. The detailed timeline provided by hair testing offers a significant advantage for organizations prioritizing a consistent and safe work environment.
One of the most notable advantages of hair follicle testing in Fairfax, VA, is its resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the hair testing process is difficult to adulterate, providing results that are reliable and unquestionable. This high level of security reduces the chances of cheating, ensuring that the outcomes are accurate and trustworthy, thus fostering a fair and honest testing environment.
In Fairfax, VA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle drug tests benefits organizations seeking accurate testing methods. The insusceptibility to common manipulation techniques assures employers of the integrity and reliability of the results. The observed collection process of hair samples further reinforces this robust testing method, which is pivotal for ensuring a dependable and trustworthy drug screening protocol.
Accessible testing locations are a significant advantage of Accredited Drug Testing in Fairfax, VA. With centers available nationwide, individuals and businesses can conveniently access hair follicle testing services. The ease of location availability ensures quick and efficient testing processes. Local accessibility in Fairfax maximizes convenience, encouraging compliance and participation in necessary drug testing, which remains vital for enforcing drug-free policies.
Nationwide Convenience
Our extensive network of testing centers simplifies the hair follicle testing procedure in Fairfax, VA. The widespread availability allows for easy scheduling and reduces travel times, facilitating a fast testing experience. Nationwide access is complemented by local locations, ensuring that individuals and employers can rely on convenient and efficient testing services whenever necessary.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a straightforward and confidential process in Fairfax, VA. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to be simple and user-friendly. Concerns about privacy and the smoothness of the testing process are addressed by maintaining confidentiality and transparency at every stage. This hassle-free approach allows individuals and employers to engage with hair follicle testing confidently and conveniently.
In Fairfax, VA, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and discreet. Accredited Drug Testing focuses on safeguarding client privacy while providing a user-friendly experience. The seamless ordering, testing, and result-reporting stages guarantee minimal complexity and maximum confidentiality, ensuring that users can trust the process and focus on receiving their results without concerns.
The hair follicle testing services in Fairfax, VA, offer competitive pricing structures that fit various budget requirements. With fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing provides affordable and efficient solutions for companies of all sizes. The combination of cost-effectiveness and reliable results makes hair follicle testing a valuable asset for organizations prioritizing both budget management and effective drug screening.
Affordability is a key characteristic of Accredited Drug Testing's services in Fairfax, VA. Customers can take advantage of quick turnaround times and economical pricing, receiving fast and accurate results without stretching their budgets. The balance between cost and speed ensures that organizations can implement effective drug testing strategies while remaining financially prudent, delivering value and peace of mind.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a top choice in Fairfax, VA. These tests offer highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring fast and reliable results. In comparison to other methods, the accuracy and quick results from hair testing greatly reduce the waiting period and uncertainty, providing assurance both for employers and individuals. Hair testing is efficient and dependable in various drug testing scenarios.
Hair follicle testing stands out when it comes to delivering quick yet precise results. The ability to detect various substances with high accuracy makes it a favored choice among employers in Fairfax, VA. The streamlined process ensures that the results are not only fast but also free from any errors, maintaining confidence in the testing outcomes. This reliability makes hair testing an invaluable tool for organizations requiring prompt and accurate drug testing solutions.
Ensuring Peace of Mind through Compliance
Using hair follicle testing in Fairfax, VA, helps companies ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method supports legal adherence and reduces the risk of workplace incidents related to substance abuse. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they're upholding safety standards and minimizing potential liabilities. This testing strategy aligns with business objectives for maintaining a secure and compliant workplace.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Fairfax, VA, provides employers with confidence in their drug prevention strategies. By supporting workplace policies aimed at maintaining a drug-free environment, organizations can reduce legal risks and enhance safety measures. This preventive approach through reliable hair testing ensures peace of mind, benefiting both employers and employees by fostering a safe and legally compliant workplace.