Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Riverdale, Virginia. If you're in need of a hair-based drug or alcohol screening, our specialization in hair testing, supported by nationwide centers, is at your service. Testing requires 1.5 to 2 inches of hair, typically from the crown or body. The hair sample can be analyzed for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other unique purposes.
Over recent years, hair follicle drug testing has seen a rise in implementation for drug screenings. This method is favored by employers, legal entities, and addiction specialists who demand stringent testing. Hair tests are preferred for their broader detection windows, reaching up to 90 days, and are observed during collection, which minimizes tampering and cheating. However, urine tests remain more effective for identifying drug use 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 analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it offers a detection window of up to three months for identifying alcohol and drug use. The collection process is straightforward, it's moderately challenging to tamper with, and it's easily transported.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment involving roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the closest area to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount from body hair is acceptable. When referencing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Other hairs on the body, like facial or axillary, classify as body hair.
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the primary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial quick check for drugs. While it's a cost-efficient method to determine drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is drawn from the initial sample for Extraction, where drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirming a positive Screening outcome uses methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle below the skin.
Hair follicle testing in Riverdale, VA offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. One key benefit is their superior detection accuracy, capturing drug use over extended periods. This feature significantly outshines the limited timeframe that urine tests typically cover.
Furthermore, hair tests provide reliable results that reduce false positives, setting a higher standard in drug testing. Compared to urine tests, the long detection window offers a clearer picture of substance use history.
Hair follicle tests in Riverdale, VA boast an unmatched detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. Such extended monitoring helps employers deeply assess the substance habits of potential or current employees.
This impressive detection period not only aids in evaluating long-term usage patterns but also underscores the test's capability in delivering thorough insights into an individual's substance use journey.
In Riverdale, VA, hair follicle testing is a robust tamper-resistant method. The nature of hair sampling significantly curtails adulteration risks, delivering results you can trust. This method is specifically designed to combat tampering, offering peace of mind to all stakeholders.
The rigorous sample collection process minimizes manipulation, ensuring that the results reflect true drug use history. This reliability is what makes hair tests favored over others.
Riverdale, VA residents benefit greatly from our expansive network of testing locations. These nationwide centers deliver swift access to services, removing logistical barriers and making drug testing more accessible.
The local availability ensures convenience, promoting efficient service delivery without the stress of distant travel, ultimately ensuring a smooth testing experience.
In Riverdale, VA, the hair follicle testing process is as simple as it is confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure prioritizes user privacy and ease, securing personal data throughout the journey.
This streamlined approach means that participants can take the test and obtain results without hassle, eliminating stress and focusing on security and ease of use.
Our hair follicle testing services in Riverdale, VA are not only accurate but also cost-effective, ensuring that testing remains accessible for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing underscores our commitment to quality and value.
Rapid turnaround complements affordability, providing clients with timely results that do not compromise standards, ultimately delivering excellent service and reassured peace of mind.
In Riverdale, VA, hair follicle tests stand out for their speed and precision. These tests are renowned for accurately identifying substance use, offering rapid turnaround times. Their high sensitivity ensures you won't miss critical substance use data, making them a reliable choice.
The precision of hair follicle testing guarantees consistent results with minimal false positives. This accuracy is crucial for maintaining the integrity of testing protocols, providing clarity and confidence in substance monitoring.
For employers in Riverdale, VA, hair follicle testing offers compliance assurance with drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly diminishes legal liabilities while promoting a safer work environment.
Implementing hair tests also bolsters corporate responsibility, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a secure and healthy workplace standard, thus reducing potential workplace hazards.
