Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services throughout Ivy, Virginia. For those in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, we are specialists in hair testing, with centers located in cities across the nation. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body is required. Our hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other specific options.
In recent years, hair follicle drug testing has increasingly supplanted other methods. Employers, courts, and substance abuse experts are often turning to this method instead of urine tests. Used primarily by organizations with strict drug policies and forensic systems, hair tests are preferred for their extended detection period, which can reach up to 90 days, gathered through observed sampling to prevent tampering. However, for detecting recent drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain 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 has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. It is easy to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s database. This involves confirming that the sample was suitably sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result in the screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening require secondary verification.
When a sample returns a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other techniques (for example, urine or oral fluid); hence, hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The practice of drug testing has evolved in Ivy, VA, with hair follicle testing taking the lead over traditional urine tests. Why does hair testing excel? The most notable advantage is its unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Hair tests detect substance use over a prolonged period, offering a clearer, uninterrupted history, whereas urine tests are limited to recent use.
Hair follicle testing in Ivy, VA presents a significantly extended detection window for drug use, lasting up to 90 days. This benefit allows employers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history, helping to make informed decisions about potential and current employees.
When seeking reliable drug testing in Ivy, VA, hair follicle testing proves to be a remarkably tamper-resistant option. Unlike other methods where sample adulteration is a concern, hair testing offers unquestionable results because of its precise monitoring process, which weeds out any attempts to compromise the sample integrity.
With convenient testing centers located nationwide and locally in Ivy, VA, accessing drug testing services is a hassle-free experience. This widespread accessibility ensures that testing is not only quick and straightforward but also hassle-free, no matter where you're based.
The hair follicle testing process in Ivy, VA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, every step prioritizes user privacy and ease of use, addressing potential concerns while delivering uncompromised security in handling sensitive data.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle drug testing services in Ivy, VA provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable options, ensuring prompt results without sacrificing quality, making it a smart choice for drug testing needs.
In Ivy, VA, the hair follicle drug test stands out for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method delivers precise results quickly, making it ideal for timely assessments. Hair tests’ accuracy stems from their ability to provide comprehensive data on substance use, ensuring that organizations and individuals benefit from this top-tier testing method.
Employers in Ivy, VA can foster compliance and peace of mind by opting for hair follicle drug testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks while promoting a safer and more productive working environment, ultimately safeguarding both the workforce and the business.
