Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Sterling, Virginia. If you require a hair drug or alcohol screening, we specialize in hair testing, with facilities available across all cities nationwide. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body can be used. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer other specialized hair screening options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more prevalent method for drug testing. Numerous employers, courts, and substance abuse experts now prefer this over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle drug tests are favored by zero-tolerance workplaces, courts, and probation officers. The primary advantage is detecting drug use over a period of up to 90 days, with an observed collection process, making cheating nearly impossible. Nonetheless, urine tests remain the most accurate for detecting drug use within the last 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 testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a history of alcohol and drugs over a prolonged period by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month detection period for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and easy to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, serving as the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests that exceed 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. In reference to head hair, this implies only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample in a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed before it can be accepted in a legal setting. Samples that appear positive in Screening certainly require a follow-up confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive result from screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
In Sterling, VA, hair follicle tests stand out as superior to traditional urine testing. Their unmatched accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use make them invaluable. Hair tests extend the detection window well beyond what urine tests can offer, catching substance use that might otherwise go unnoticed. Their robustness against tampering further elevates their effectiveness compared to urine analysis.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a key advantage in Sterling, VA. This method reveals drug use patterns stretching back as far as 90 days, providing a detailed look at an individual's substance usage. Employers gain a comprehensive overview of potential hires or current employees, ensuring informed decision-making and insight into long-term habits that urine tests may miss.
In Sterling, VA, the integrity of hair follicle testing is well-regarded for its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, this testing technique minimizes the risk of sample manipulation, ensuring the authenticity of results. The stringent process of sample collection and analysis assures reliable outcomes, leaving no room for altering or cheating, thus guaranteeing unquestionable accuracy.
Convenience marks the essence of our hair follicle testing services, with nationwide centers accessible to Sterling, VA, residents. Our local facilities make testing hassle-free, offering swift and convenient services without the need for extensive travel. This ease of access makes maintaining workplace safety a seamless process for businesses and individuals alike.
Simplicity and confidentiality define the process of hair follicle testing in Sterling, VA. Ordering, sample collection, and result reception are handled with utmost privacy, addressing any concerns about personal data. The user-friendly process ensures that individuals and organizations can engage with the service discreetly, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of all transactions.
Affordable pricing and efficient turnaround characterize our hair follicle testing in Sterling, VA. The competitive rates make it accessible for companies of varying sizes, while the rapid results deliver value by allowing prompt decision-making. Our service ensures cost-effectiveness without compromising the quality and accuracy of the drug testing results.
In Sterling, VA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are designed to detect substance use with high precision, providing results that instill confidence in employers and individuals alike. The effectiveness in discerning even small traces of substances makes it a preferred choice over other methods, guaranteeing results that are swift and dependable.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Sterling, VA, offers firms compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing the chances of legal issues. This testing approach supports a safe working environment by identifying drug users and providing employers with peace of mind. The enforcement of zero-tolerance policies is bolstered, ensuring protective measures for all stakeholders involved.
