In Pennington Gap, Virginia, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services. Specializing in hair tests, we have locations across all cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is required, available from the head or body. Hair tests evaluate drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored testing choices.
The preference for hair follicle testing over urine has grown amongst employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals. This test suits zero-tolerance drug policies due to its 90-day usage detection window, secure observation process, and difficulty to manipulate. However, urine testing remains optimal for detecting very recent drug use within 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 now regarded as an effective method for detecting substance consumption, including drugs and alcohol. Hair captures long-term substance exposure by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can indicate usage over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is easy, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion, roughly the width of a #2 pencil and comprising about 200 hairs, yields 100mg, which is optimal for both testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may suffice. Here, "head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" designates other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing workflow consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's integrity through proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry beyond what the electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening acts as a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use in most cases, any positive results necessitate confirmation to be legally valid. Samples identified as potentially positive during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair from the initial sample undergoes Extraction. This process isolates drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair testing the most challenging.
Confirmed positive results are authenticated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked as presumptive positives receive pre-confirmation washing if needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the underlying follicle.
Hair Testing vs. Urine Testing in Pennington Gap, VA
Hair follicle testing provides notable advantages over traditional urine tests. It offers superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of substance use over a more extended period. In contrast, while urine tests can identify recent use, they lack the prolonged tracking capability of hair tests, making hair testing a more reliable choice for comprehensive drug screening.
Extended Detection Window in Pennington Gap, VA
Hair follicle testing's ability to track drug use up to 90 days provides a significant advantage. This extended window ensures employers in Pennington Gap have a detailed view of an individual's substance history, surpassing the limitations of short-term testing methods. The method's thorough detection timeline supports careful hiring and monitoring processes.
Secure, Tamper-Resistant Testing
In Pennington Gap, VA, hair follicle testing substantially mitigates the threat of sample adulteration. This method stands out as a reliable and unquestionable alternative in drug testing. Its inherent resistance to tampering ensures the results are genuine, giving peace of mind regarding the authenticity of drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide
Accredited Drug Testing makes hair follicle testing accessible with numerous centers across the country, including Pennington Gap, VA. This extensive network ensures swift and hassle-free access to testing services, catering to various needs efficiently and conveniently.
Simple, Confidential Process
The hair follicle testing procedure in Pennington Gap, VA is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of use, facilitating a stress-free experience for all parties involved.
Affordable and Quick Service
In Pennington Gap, VA, we offer competitive pricing for our hair follicle testing services, along with fast turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value and ensures companies receive timely and budget-friendly testing solutions, catering to firms of all sizes.
Fast and Reliable Testing in Pennington Gap, VA
Our hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and promptness. They excel in delivering accurate results quickly, thereby detecting substance use effectively. In Pennington Gap, this ensures that decisions based on drug testing are not only fast but also dependable. With benefits of both speed and accuracy, hair testing proves to be an essential tool.
Employers' Compliance and Assurance
Implementing hair follicle testing in Pennington Gap, VA helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This method assists in reducing legal risks, fostering a safe working environment. By ensuring policy compliance, organizations can secure peace of mind while maintaining a professional standard.