Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in Free Union, Virginia. Should you require testing for drugs or alcohol via hair samples, we provide expertise in this area with centers situated in cities across the nation, capable of executing such tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body are needed. Hair samples can be tested for drugs, alcohol, ETG, or can be customized for specific requirements.
In the past few years, hair follicle drug tests have become an increasingly common testing method. A growing number of employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts are opting for hair tests over traditional urine tests. Organizations with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and probation officers prefer hair follicle tests. The most significant advantage is its long detection period, capturing drug use up to 90 days via observed collection, making cheating nearly impossible. Yet, for drug use detection within the past 5 days, urine tests remain the preferred choice.
* 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.
Seen as a potent mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing is esteemed for its effectiveness. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strands. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, adulteration is challenging, and it is easily shipped.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered an ideal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent proportion of body hair can be used. In reference to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps—Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial sample processing within a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift inspection for drugs of abuse. Screening provides a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, yet a positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in court. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumed positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample ready for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in line with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When considering the benefits of hair follicle testing versus traditional urine tests in Free Union, VA, hair testing clearly stands out. With substantially superior detection accuracy, businesses can identify substance use over a 90-day period. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers reliable insights and ensures that employers have a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history.
One of the core advantages of hair follicle testing in Free Union, VA is its extended detection window, which can identify drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive detection period provides employers with a thorough picture of an employee or candidate's substance use history, making it a valuable tool for maintaining workplace safety and ensuring compliance with company policies.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Free Union, VA provides unparalleled dependability. This testing method reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering employers and authorities reliable results. With the collection of samples being an observed process, there is minimal chance for manipulation, delivering added peace of mind for all parties involved.
With a network of testing centers spread across the nation, including Free Union, VA, we offer unparalleled convenience. Our nationwide testing locations make the screening process straightforward and hassle-free. Local availability ensures that individuals and businesses can access testing services promptly, adding to the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall process.
The process of hair follicle testing in Free Union, VA prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test, to receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward and private. This ensures individuals and companies have access to a reliable service without concerns over privacy breaches or complex procedures.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Free Union, VA delivers great value for employers of all sizes. The combination of affordable pricing and efficient service ensures that businesses can quickly and effectively monitor and manage workplace drug policies, reinforcing their commitment to safety and compliance.
The effectiveness of hair follicle testing in Free Union, VA is unmatched when it comes to delivering fast and precise outcomes. This method is renowned for its accuracy in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice for many organizations. The precision offered by hair tests ensures confidence in results, reducing the risk of false negatives or positives, which is often a concern with alternative testing methods.
Employers in Free Union, VA find peace of mind through the compliance offered by hair follicle testing. By ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal risks, businesses can create a safer environment for all employees. The methodical nature of hair testing serves as a valuable asset in achieving organizational goals related to health and safety.