Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Jamestown, Virginia. If you require a hair-based drug or alcohol screening, Accredited Drug Testing excels in hair analysis with centers nationwide capable of conducting these tests. A hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the crown or body can typically be used. These tests can be set up to test for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
In recent years, hair follicle tests have become a prevalent method for drug testing. Many employers, legal entities, and substance abuse experts now favor hair screenings over the standard urine tests. Hair follicle testing serves employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and individuals under supervision. Its main advantage is a prolonged detection timeframe of up to 90 days, collected through an observed process, which makes cheating very difficult. However, for detecting use in the past 5 days, urine tests remain most 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 analysis is now recognized as a significant method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, moderately difficult to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. By 'head hair', we mean scalp hair exclusively. 'Body hair' encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not already included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective solution to rule out drug use in most cases, a positive screening result must be confirmed for it to be valid in a legal context. Samples that test positive in Screening undergo additional confirmation.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex technique to carry out.
Confirmation of any positive Screening finding is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive in Screening are cleansed prior to Confirmation if needed. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jamestown, VA
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests provide an extended detection window, capturing substance use patterns more effectively. Hair testing is difficult to adulterate, ensuring the integrity of the sample and results. This reliability and comprehensiveness make it a favored choice over conventional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Jamestown, VA
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This robust detection window provides employers with insightful data on an individual's substance use history. It offers a comprehensive approach, making it difficult for short-term abstinence to mask long-term use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jamestown, VA
The integrity of hair follicle testing largely comes from its tamper-resistant nature. It's nearly impossible to alter or evade the results with this method. Hair samples are acquired through strict protocols, ensuring the results are authentic and credible. This gives a level of assurance not always present in urine tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jamestown, VA
Our widely available testing centers ensure convenient and hassle-free access to testing services. With numerous locations nationwide, including in Jamestown, VA, Accredited Drug Testing offers ease of access and efficiency, making the testing process accessible and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jamestown, VA
Engaging in hair follicle testing with Accredited Drug Testing guarantees a straightforward and confidential experience. The process is designed for ease — from ordering the test to taking and receiving results — ensuring privacy and simplicity for all involved, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality and process complexity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jamestown, VA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency provides excellent value for companies of any size, ensuring they receive swift results without compromising on quality or price, fostering peace of mind within the organization.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jamestown, VA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering precise and prompt results. Their advanced methods ensure high accuracy, effectively identifying the presence of substances. Compared to urine tests, hair tests provide a greater assurance of reliability, ensuring the trustworthiness of the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jamestown, VA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal risks. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests enhance workplace safety and promote peace of mind among employers, knowing they are backed by solid evidence and protocol.
