Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Ingram, Virginia. For those seeking a hair-based drug or alcohol test, our specialization in hair testing is supported by a network of testing centers across all major cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head's crown or body can be used. Hair analysis covers drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be customized for specific needs.
In recent times, hair follicle drug tests have become a more prevalent method for substance testing. Many employers, judicial systems, and addiction specialists prefer these tests over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle testing is ideal for employers enforcing strict no-drug-use policies, judicial use, and those on probation. The main advantage of hair testing lies in its extended drug detection window—up to 90 days—through observed collection, making it hard to tamper with. However, for detecting recent drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the standard for precision.
* 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 screening is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use, including alcohol. The fibers of a growing hair strand capture biomarkers, offering a record of alcohol and drug usage over an extended period. When collected close to the scalp, hair allows for up to a 90-day detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to adulterate, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is recommended. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This includes ensuring the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. As a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. During this process, drugs are obtained from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening one of the most complex methods to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Ingram, VA, hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy lies in its capability to identify drug usage over a lengthy period, unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent use. This enhances its reliability for employers and legal entities focused on thorough screenings.
The complexity involved in tampering with hair samples secures its results' authenticity. Furthermore, while urine tests are susceptible to various tampering methods, hair tests maintain an integrity that ensures trustworthy outcomes. Thus, choosing hair over urine testing is beneficial for maintaining strict substance-use policies.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive overview of a person's substance use history. Ingram, VA employers value this wide detection span to better assess potential and current employees' long-term drug use patterns, elevating workplace safety.
This prolonged window captures a detailed view of substance consumption, distinguishing it from short-detection urine tests. Such extensive awareness aids businesses in making more informed hiring decisions and monitoring ongoing compliance with substance abstinence policies, ensuring a reliable workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, offering reliable results that can be trusted by employers in Ingram, VA. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily adulterated, the hair testing process ensures that the sample remains intact and unaltered, guaranteeing result authenticity.
The physical nature of hair samples makes it nearly impossible for individuals to substitute or adulterate the sample, unlike other testing methods. This robust integrity provides unquestionable results, essential for adhering to rigorous workplace standards and upholding professional conduct.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing in Ingram, VA, offers convenient hair testing services with an extensive network of nationwide centers. This accessibility ensures that businesses and individuals can easily access testing without unnecessary hassle, supporting seamless testing experiences.
Local facilities situated throughout Ingram enhance the ease of undergoing testing for busy professionals. Our wide reach, coupled with local availability, underscores our commitment to providing quick and efficient service, catering to diverse needs with minimal delay.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process for hair follicle testing in Ingram, VA is straightforward and confidential, ensuring user privacy and ease. Ordering, sampling, and receiving results are seamless processes that prioritize the client's confidential information, addressing the need for discretion.
We simplify testing by guiding clients at every step, offering clear instructions and support. A focus on maintaining confidentiality reassures individuals, making sure their personal information and test results are secure and accessible only by authorized personnel.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Ingram, VA, competitive pricing and speedy turnaround times characterize our hair follicle testing services, delivering value and reassurance for businesses. Our cost-effective solutions make it accessible for companies of all sizes to implement drug testing protocols without financial strain.
The quick processing times ensure that companies do not face operational delays, enhancing workflow and decision-making processes. With the combination of affordability and swift results, our testing services provide exceptional value, supporting companies' comprehensive drug policies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
The hair follicle drug test offers swift, precise, and dependable results. In Ingram, VA, this testing method ensures that substance use is identified promptly, thanks to its meticulous and accurate nature. Professionals appreciate the ability to deliver results quickly while maintaining high accuracy standards in detecting long-term substance use.
The speed of processing means less waiting time for results. With laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art technology, hair testing efficiently identifies a range of substances without extensive delays. This level of speed and precision ensures that clients in Ingram, VA, get timely insights into their drug testing needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
For employers in Ingram, VA, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal liabilities and promoting safety. This reliable method guarantees adherence to company standards, providing employers with peace of mind regarding substance use regulations.
The comprehensive nature of hair testing aligns with zero-tolerance policies, facilitating an environment conducive to safety and productivity. Employers can confidently implement these tests to maintain workplace integrity while abiding by laws governing workplace safety and substance use.
