Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug analysis in Mount Vernon, Virginia. For those requiring drug or alcohol testing via hair samples, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in this method with facilities across all U.S. cities to complete these analyses. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of head hair or body hair may be used for evaluations. Hair tests assess for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be customized for other analyses.
In recent years, hair follicle drug testing has gained traction as a preferred method. A growing number of employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts favor it over standard urine tests. Hair follicle tests serve those enforcing zero-tolerance policies, such as employers, courts, and individuals on parole. The noticeable advantage of hair testing is its extended drug detection period, often up to 90 days, under a supervised process that is hard to tamper with. Still, urine tests remain most effective for drug use conceivably within the last five days.
* 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 is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When a sample is collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month timeframe of alcohol and drug use. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample for testing and conclusive analysis. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be substituted. Head hair references only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The crucial steps in the laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial step, where a sample is systematically introduced into a lab’s setup. This step validates that the sample container was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any not electronically recorded information provided by a custody system.
Screening represents a rapid preliminary check for drugs of misuse. Although Screening efficiently excludes drug presence in most samples, a positive result necessitates validation for legal acceptability. Samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive result in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug tests the most complex to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples that test presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation operates in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Vernon, VA
When contrasting hair analysis with traditional urine tests, hair testing offers unmatched accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that might miss long-term drug use, hair tests provide a clearer picture by detecting substances over an extended period, thus becoming the preferred method for achieving precise detection results.
Extended Detection Window in Mount Vernon, VA
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage with its ability to detect drug use over a 90-day span. This extended detection window is pivotal for employers, offering a full overview of an employee or applicant's drug use history, thus ensuring an informed decision-making process concerning substance use in the workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Vernon, VA
Hair follicle testing greatly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering or alteration, providing more reliable and unquestionable results. This method's robust nature means employers and individuals can trust the findings, assured of their authenticity and the integrity of the collected samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mount Vernon, VA
We offer widespread accessibility through our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Mount Vernon. This convenience ensures easy and hassle-free access to testing services, allowing individuals and employers to conduct necessary analyses promptly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Vernon, VA
Our procedure for ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and discreet. We prioritize client privacy and simplicity, making the testing procedure stress-free. Both individuals and organizations can feel secure about their privacy throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Vernon, VA
Our competitive pricing and quick response times deliver exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. By opting for our services, companies enjoy both cost benefits and reassuring peace of mind, knowing that they receive efficient and prompt results without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Vernon, VA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and promptness, providing swift and reliable results. This method boasts superior accuracy in identifying substance consumption, ensuring that decisions are informed by concrete and dependable evidence. Employers and individuals benefit greatly from such accuracy in detecting drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Vernon, VA
Implementing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly lowering legal exposure and enhancing safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that these tests contribute to a safer, more reliable work environment, complemented by reduced risks.
