Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Suffolk, Virginia. For those in need of hair drug or alcohol testing, our expertise lies in hair sample analysis, with testing centers in every city Nationwide ready to conduct these tests. Most scenarios require 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body. Hair tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer other personalized testing options.
Recently, drug testing methods have increasingly involved hair follicle drug tests. Many employers, courts, and Substance Abuse professionals now prefer these over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests are chosen by employers enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and probationers. Their primary advantage lies in a longer drug detection window, up to 90 days, during an observed collection, making them almost foolproof, though for recent drug use within five days, urine tests remain more precise.
* 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 increasingly recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the hair strand as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to approximately a 90-day period of substance use. They are straightforward to gather, not easily tampered with, and convenient to ship.
A sample consisting of around 200 strands of hair, cut to a 1.5-inch length near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, considered optimal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is recommended. In absence of scalp hair, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. By 'head hair' we refer specifically to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test is comprised of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step includes ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any other information not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmatory testing for legal admissibility. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening must undergo further validation.
If the sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo necessary washes before confirmation. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Suffolk, VA
In Suffolk, VA, hair follicle tests have become the preferred choice over urine tests due to their enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent substance use, hair testing offers a broader detection window and is less susceptible to manipulation, providing a robust assessment of an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in Suffolk, VA
The ability of hair follicle testing to detect drugs for up to 90 days sets it apart in Suffolk, VA. Employers benefit from this extended detection window, gaining comprehensive insights into an individual's substance use history. This long-term view ensures employers can maintain a safe, drug-free workplace with greater confidence.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Suffolk, VA
Using a hair follicle test in Suffolk, VA, significantly lowers the chances of sample tampering. This method ensures results are both reliable and secure, as attempts at adulteration are minimized through the collection process. Such robust testing supports credibility and trust in the outcomes provided to all stakeholders involved.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Suffolk, VA
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Suffolk, VA, offers convenience and accessibility. Nationwide and local facilities ensure that individuals can quickly and easily access necessary testing. This seamless availability supports efficient scheduling and prompt testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Suffolk, VA
The hair follicle testing process in Suffolk, VA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, every step is focused on privacy and ease. Clients can expect a smooth experience, where concerns about confidentiality and simplicity are effectively addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Suffolk, VA
In Suffolk, VA, hair follicle testing is competitively priced, ensuring excellent value for companies regardless of size. The swift turnaround times further enhance value, providing businesses with fast, reliable results that support timely decision-making and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Suffolk, VA
Hair follicle drug testing in Suffolk, VA, is trusted for its speed and precision. This method provides highly accurate results, promptly identifying drug use with minimal error rates. Compared to traditional drug testing approaches, hair tests offer superior reliability, allowing employers and authorities to make informed decisions based on solid data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Suffolk, VA
Hair follicle testing helps Suffolk, VA employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. This method supports compliance by offering peace of mind through accurate detection of drug use over time, ensuring a committed and secure work environment.
