In Lexington, Virginia, Accredited Drug Testing offers a full spectrum of hair follicle drug screening. Whether you require hair analysis for drugs or alcohol, our specialization in hair testing is bolstered by a network of testing centers nationwide. Typically, a sample of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body suffices. These tests are adaptable, capable of detecting drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailored substance screenings.
Recently, the preference for drug screening methods has shifted towards hair follicle testing. Increasingly, employers, legal courts, and substance abuse experts favor this over traditional urine analysis. Hair tests are essential for entities with strict no-drug policies and for probation monitoring. Their advantage lies in prolonged detection windows—up to 90 days—assured by observed collections, making evasion difficult, though urine tests remain optimal for detecting recent drug use within a 5-day window.
* 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 significant instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, regarded as the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a proportionate amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair exclusively. "Body hair" encompasses any other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory analysis of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This process ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to negate drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
In instances where a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably complex.
Any affirmative screening result is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lexington, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine analysis thanks to superior detection and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is less reliant on timing, ensuring substance use history is captured accurately. This method is less prone to manipulation, offering employers assurance in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Moreover, hair testing's robust detection period significantly extends beyond standard urine tests, providing a more comprehensive overview. This extended window is vital for employers aiming for stringent substance use policies, reinforcing accountability.
Hair follicle testing in Lexington, VA, boasts an extensive detection period, capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This feature offers employers a broader view of an individual's substance use, assisting in evaluating a candidate's long-term compliance with drug-free policies.
Such a wide detection range is particularly beneficial for companies in industries where safety and compliance are paramount. By thoroughly examining past substance use, employers can make informed decisions, leveraging a clear insight into potential employees' histories.
In Lexington, VA, hair follicle testing shines as a tamper-resistant method, dramatically reducing the chances of sample tampering. This reliability provides assurance of authenticity, delivering results that are hard to dispute.
The invulnerability to manipulation enhances the trustworthiness of hair tests, as they circumvent common adulteration tactics associated with other methods. For employers and legal entities, this integrity is crucial for upholding stringent compliance and verification standards.
With extensive nationwide and local testing sites, accessing hair follicle testing in Lexington, VA, is convenient and efficient. Our comprehensive network guarantees ease of access, reducing the stress associated with scheduling and attending tests.
This accessibility ensures timely and uncomplicated test administration, allowing both employers and individuals quick access to this essential service. It harmonizes logistical ease with professional standards, delivering unparalleled convenience.
Our hair follicle testing process in Lexington, VA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to address privacy concerns effectively.
This simplified approach fosters user confidence, ensuring that the process remains discreet and straightforward. Maintaining confidentiality is a priority, offering peace of mind to those navigating the complexities of drug testing.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in Lexington, VA, hair follicle testing presents a cost-effective solution for businesses, regardless of size. Our structure ensures accessible, high-quality testing without financial strain.
This balance of affordability and efficiency provides peace of mind, knowing reliable results are both economical and promptly delivered. Employers can rely on this solution as both a fiscal and operational advantage, reinforcing their drug-free policies.
In Lexington, VA, hair follicle testing stands out with its fast, precise, and trustworthy results. This method excels in identifying substance use, offering a higher accuracy level compared to other tests. Speedy result delivery ensures timely decision-making, crucial for employers and individuals needing quick validation of a drug-free status.
The reliable outcome of hair testing makes it invaluable, especially when accuracy in detection is non-negotiable. Leveraging advanced techniques, it outperforms traditional tests by eliminating guesswork, thus ensuring each analysis is both thorough and exacting.
Lexington, VA, employers benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies, enhancing workplace safety, and minimizing legal risks. This method supports a culture of accountability and integrity, offering peace of mind through consistent workplace standards and practices.
Through reliable and long-term observation capabilities, hair tests maintain comprehensive oversight, critical in maintaining organizational protocol adherence. This fosters a safer and more productive work environment, reducing potential liabilities.
