Accredited Drug Testing offers a thorough hair follicle drug testing service in Mathews, Virginia. If you require a hair drug or alcohol exam, our expertise lies in hair testing, and with centers established in cities nationwide, we can facilitate a hair test. Generally, hair from the crown of your head measuring 1.5 to 2 inches, or body hair, may be utilized. Our hair tests can assess for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other personalized hair testing options.
Recently, there has been a growing trend towards utilizing hair follicle drug testing. Numerous employers, judiciary systems, and substance abuse specialists now favor hair drug tests over conventional urine tests. Hair follicle tests are requested by employers with strict drug policies, courts, and probationary individuals. The significant advantage is a longer detection window of up to 90 days, conducted under observation, ensuring minimal cheating. However, for drug use within the past 5 days, urinalysis remains the most precise option.
* 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 an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a prolonged record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about 90 days for substances and alcohol. Hair collection is easy, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A sample sized at 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It is encouraged to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair might be collected. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair. All other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.) are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab process of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process ensures that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional information not provided by an electronic system for tracking custody.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid narcotic check. Although Screening is a financially efficient method for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result requires validation to be considered in legal settings. Samples suggested positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed possibly positive in the Screening phase, more hair is retrieved from the original sample for Preparation. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are purified before Confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the authorization to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Challenges:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Extended Detection Period
The ability to trace substance use over 90 days gives a comprehensive analysis that surpasses the usual timeframe of urine tests.
Unparalleled Reliability
This method offers a nearly foolproof collection process, ensuring dependable results every assessment.
Extended Detection Window
Comprehensive Substance History
Employers benefit from a detailed analysis of an applicant or employee's past substance use, essential for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Long-Term Insight
This extensive detection period offers a more substantial look into a person's activities compared to traditional methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Unquestionable Integrity
With hair testing, the collection process is secure, ensuring the results remain free from manipulation.
Reliable Verification
The structure of hair tests guarantees the production of authentic outcomes that stand up to scrutiny.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Local Accessibility and Convenience
With local facilities, you have hassle-free access to necessary testing services whenever required.
Nationwide Network
In addition to local sites, our extensive network ensures you can find a testing center near you with ease.
Simple, Confidential Process
Easy Ordering and Results
Our procedure allows for simple ordering and swift receipt of results, maintaining confidentiality throughout.
Privacy Assured
The entire process is crafted to keep your personal information protected, giving peace of mind while obtaining necessary tests.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Quick Turnaround
The rapid processing times ensure you receive results without delay, pivotal for making timely business decisions.
Value and Peace of Mind
This affordable pricing structure allows companies to maintain drug testing without burdening their budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Speed Meets Accuracy
The rapid turnaround time ensures swift results, allowing you to make informed decisions promptly.
Reliability in Every Test
With hair testing, the process is meticulous, guaranteeing trustworthy and clear outcomes every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Reducing Legal Risks
By employing hair tests, businesses can significantly diminish legal liabilities associated with drug use among employees.
Enhancing Workplace Safety
With this method, employers can create safer work environments, contributing to both compliance and security.