Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in New Castle, Virginia. If you require a drug or alcohol test using hair samples, our expertise in hair testing is unparalleled. With testing centers across all cities nationwide, hair tests are available through us. Typically, you need at least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, either from the scalp or body, for testing drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specified substances.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become a preferred method for drug screening. Many workplaces, judicial systems, and substance abuse counselors are opting for this method over traditional urine tests. Employers with strict drug-free policies, legal entities, and probation officers find hair drug tests advantageous due to their extended detection period of up to 90 days and observed collection procedure, which enhances test integrity. Urine tests remain most reliable for identifying recent drug use within the past 5 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 analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. Hair collected near the scalp can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and certain drugs. The collection process is straightforward, making it somewhat challenging to tamper with, and transport is uncomplicated.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg, which is optimal for both initial screening and confirmatory tests. For EtG, supplementary tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This includes confirming the sample's seal and appropriate shipment, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a rapid initial check for drug abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court validity. Samples indicating a presumptive positive need a subsequent confirmation.
Presumptive positives in the Screening stage trigger additional hair to be extracted from the sample for further analysis in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making it one of the most challenging testing methodologies.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, samples showing presumptive positives are washed as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In New Castle, VA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several ways. The extended detection window allows for a thorough review of an individual's substance use over a prolonged period. This provides a distinct advantage by capturing a wider range of substance history compared to urine tests, which are limited to a shorter timeframe.
Moreover, hair testing boasts an unparalleled detection accuracy, reducing the chance of disingenuous results. Employers, legal systems, and individuals benefit from the tests' robustness, ensuring that adherence to drug-free mandates is thoroughly monitored and upheld, unlike more transient urine testing.
One key advantage of hair follicle drug testing in New Castle, VA, is its extended detection window, which reaches up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe provides a more comprehensive account of an individual's drug usage history, making it an ideal tool for employers looking to understand an applicant or current employee's past substance behavior.
Thanks to the prolonged detection period, hair follicle tests offer a longitudinal perspective, capturing episodic substance use that might otherwise be missed by other test types. This ability to view past usage ensures a thorough assessment for compliance or hiring decisions, far exceeding shorter windows of alternative testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in New Castle, VA, offers a significant reduction in sample tampering risk, ensuring results that are both genuine and dependable. The collection of hair samples is typically observed, drastically diminishing the likelihood of manipulation or substitution, a concern present with other testing methods.
With high resistance to adulteration, hair tests provide a robust assurance of integrity. This security is crucial for validating the accuracy of results, giving both testers and organizations confidence in the authenticity of the sample collected and results obtained.
With convenient testing centers spread nationwide, including in New Castle, VA, accessing hair follicle drug testing has never been easier. This extensive network simplifies the logistics of securing a test, offering a hassle-free experience for individuals and organizations alike.
Local access to testing resources ensures that residents and businesses in the area benefit from quick and straightforward testing services. The seamless process promotes efficiency, saving time and effort while delivering essential testing solutions at locations across the country.
In New Castle, VA, the process for ordering and taking a hair follicle test is both simple and confidential. From the initial setup to receiving results, each stage is designed to prioritize privacy and ease for users concerned about discretion.
With an emphasis on confidentiality, clients can trust that their personal information and test outcomes are handled with utmost care. This focus on privacy and user-friendly procedures highlights the straightforward nature of the testing process, offering a seamless experience from start to finish.
Offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle drug testing in New Castle, VA, is both cost-effective and efficient. With rapid turnaround times on test results, companies of any size can benefit from substantial value and peace of mind when selecting this testing method.
Affordability combined with speed makes this testing option appealing for various organizational needs. Quick results complemented by reasonable prices assure stakeholders of reliable, timely information, proving the worthiness of investing in such a valuable testing resource.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unrivaled in New Castle, VA. Their ability to swiftly and accurately detect drug or alcohol use makes them a preferred choice by many. By focusing on identifying substances with accuracy, hair tests deliver dependable outcomes, ensuring that the results you receive reflect true and current substance use patterns.
When time is of the essence, hair follicle tests offer fast and reliable solutions. Clients benefit from not only the technical precision but also the efficient process that delivers quick results. This speed coupled with accuracy provides users with the confidence they need when evaluating substance use histories.
Employers in New Castle, VA, can achieve peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it guarantees adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This testing method helps minimize legal exposure and fosters a safer work environment by ensuring compliance effectively.
Implementing hair follicle tests addresses potential legal risks and streamlines adherence to regulations. This proactive approach not only mitigates dangers related to policy violations but also reinforces a commitment to maintaining a secure and healthy workplace standard.
