Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug screening in Radford, Virginia. For those in need of hair drug or alcohol screenings, our expertise in hair testing is backed by the presence of testing centers across various cities nationwide, capable of undertaking hair analysis. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of scalp or body hair is needed. Our tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
The trend of drug testing methods has seen an increased reliance on hair follicle tests in recent years. This shift sees employers, judicial entities, and substance abuse professionals favoring hair testing over standard urine tests. Hair follicle tests are vital for organizations with zero-tolerance policies, judicial settings, and probationary cases. A major advantage is the extended detection period of up to 90 days, via an observed process, reducing the chances of tampering. However, for detecting recent drug use within 5 days, urine tests remain superior.
* 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.
The utilization of hair analysis has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows, hair offers a comprehensive historical record of substance usage. Hair, when taken from near the scalp, can reveal drug and alcohol use within a period of roughly 3 months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to falsify, and convenient to transport.
For optimal screening and confirmation, a sample consisting of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount. For tests involving EtG, additional components, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used instead. Note that the term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses facial, axillary, and other hair types.
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of drug test outcomes involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial integration into the lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and mailed, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn't cover.
The Screening stage consists of a preliminary assessment to detect drug misuse. While Screening serves as a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage for most samples, court acceptability necessitates confirming a positive test. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample be potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Drugs are isolated from hair here at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening one of the most complex methods to execute.
The Confirmation of any Screening results marked positive is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as potentially positive are subjected to washing before confirmation when necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", these assessments evaluate the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Radford, VA Hair testing trumps urine tests by providing a more reliable and accurate detection of drug usage. Its ability to detect substances over an extended period ensures better screening accuracy, which is essential for comprehensive background checks.
Employers prefer hair testing because of the longer detection window and the reduced ability to tamper with samples, making it a superior method for maintaining a drug-free environment compared to urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Radford, VA Hair follicle testing shines with its extended detection period of up to 90 days, providing a more holistic view of an individual's substance use history. This longer window helps employers make informed decisions about a candidate's suitability or an employee's compliance.
When considering applicants, this method offers insights into potential substance use behavior over an extended timeframe, aiding in responsible hiring and employee retention strategies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Radford, VA Hair follicle tests considerably lower the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and unquestionable. This method's robust nature makes it a trusted choice for accurate substance screening.
The reduced risk of tampering means employers can rely on genuine results, contributing to more legitimate and trustworthy drug testing processes within their workplaces.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Radford, VA Our extensive network of nationwide testing locations guarantees accessible and seamless testing experiences. With local centers in Radford, VA, we ensure quick and efficient access to our services.
Our integrated approach simplifies the process, providing hassle-free entry to testing facilities, catering to both national and local needs with ease and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Radford, VA Our process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, making ordering, administering, and obtaining results hassle-free while safeguarding privacy concerns.
The streamlined testing procedure ensures user-friendly interactions, protecting sensitive information throughout, providing peace of mind and ease for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Radford, VA We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid processing times, delivering excellent value that caters to businesses of any size. Our approach ensures budget-friendliness and swift results.
This strategic balance of affordability and quick turnaround reassures clients of our commitment to cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Radford, VA Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy, ensuring quick and precise substance use detection. Compared to other methods, hair tests provide high precision, making them a preferred choice for employers seeking reliable results quickly.
This testing method offers reassurance with its speed. The reliability and accuracy of hair tests mean you get dependable results swiftly, enabling timely decisions based on concrete evidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Radford, VA Utilizing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly diminishing legal risks and bolstering safe work environments. Its compliance benefits make it indispensable for employers.
Promoting peace of mind, this testing method guarantees that organizations remain aligned with safety protocols, aiding in maintaining a compliant, secure, and productive workplace.
