Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in George Mason, Virginia. When a hair drug or alcohol test is needed, our centers nationwide, including in every city, are equipped to handle such tests. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body can be tested. We provide analyses for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair testing.
In recent times, hair follicle drug tests are being used more frequently in drug testing protocols. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals increasingly prefer hair tests over regular urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, judicial systems, and probationary contexts find these tests invaluable. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, usually up to 90 days, are collected under observation, and provide results that are hard to tamper with, though urine tests remain most effective for 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.
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil size), close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in lab processing of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This phase ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally acceptable. Samples that are initially positive in Screening need additional confirmation tests.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive findings from the screening phase is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
In George Mason, VA, hair follicle testing has significant advantages over conventional urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy offers a profound advantage, spotting substance use over an extended timeframe. While urine tests focus on recent use, hair tests reveal substance history, assisting in comprehensive employee evaluations.
Besides, hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering and fake results. Their stringent collection process contrasts with urine tests, ensuring unquestionable reliability and adding an extra layer of assurance in drug testing protocols.
One major benefit of hair follicle tests in George Mason, VA, is their extended detection window. This testing method can track drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers in-depth insight into an individual's past substance use. This long detection period is unmatched when compared to more conventional methods.
With this broader time frame, organizations are equipped to make well-informed decisions concerning potential and current employees, helping to maintain a drug-free workplace effectively while understanding drug use trends.
In George Mason, VA, hair follicle testing stands out due to its tamper-resistant nature. Designing such tests to reduce sample adulteration ensures the integrity of the results. Compared to urine tests, which can be manipulated, hair testing provides foolproof results.
The observed collection process makes it virtually impossible for subjects to alter the sample, offering credible and indisputable results that organizations can trust to reflect true substance use patterns without question.
In George Mason, VA, the convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers can't be overlooked. Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to services, ensuring prompt and simple testing procedures no matter the location.
Whether you're near or far, these centers are positioned strategically to provide quick solutions to testing needs, eradicating the barriers to access and sustaining a streamlined testing process across the country efficiently.
In George Mason, VA, we emphasize a simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing. From ordering tests to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is designed to be user-friendly while ensuring client privacy.
By prioritizing ease of access and discretion, clients can confidently utilize our services, knowing their privacy is safeguarded and the process is straightforward, reinforcing trust in our testing protocols.
Our commitment to affordable pricing and fast turnaround in George Mason, VA, makes hair follicle testing accessible and cost-effective. Companies can rely on our competitive pricing structures that suit business sizes and budgets, offering great value without skimping on quality.
By ensuring rapid delivery of results, organizations benefit from both economic and temporal efficiency, enhancing overall productivity and supporting informed decision-making processes promptly.
In George Mason, VA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They provide high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering dependable results swiftly. This method's high reliability makes it a preferred choice for those who demand fast testing outcomes without compromising on accuracy.
Hair follicle testing ensures thorough detection, giving businesses and individuals peace of mind. The process's speed is complemented by its detailed insights into substance consumption, rendering it an exemplary choice for fast and reliable results.
For employers in George Mason, VA, using hair follicle testing means compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method aids in minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. By demonstrating a commitment to safety, employers benefit from reduced liability concerns and stronger employee assurance.
Hair follicle testing not only ensures compliance but also delivers peace of mind knowing that the testing method is reliable and comprehensive, supporting a professional environment committed to health and safety standards.
