Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle analysis for drug testing in Toano, Virginia. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol analysis, we're experts in hair testing, with locations across the nation for your convenience. In general, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is required. Hair analyses can assess drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for other testing requirements.
Recently, drug testing practices increasingly include hair follicle assessments. Many employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse experts prefer hair testing over the usual urine screening. Hair tests are favored by those enforcing zero-tolerance drug policies, such as employers, courts, and probation services. The key advantage of hair follicle testing is an extended drug detection range—up to 90 days—via a monitored collection process, which is extremely challenging to manipulate. However, for drug consumption assessments within the last five days, urine tests remain highly 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 testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol use. This type of testing offers a long-term profile of alcohol and drug intake by trapping biomarkers in the fibers of a developing hair strand. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The process involves an easy collection, is somewhat resistant to tampering, and is straightforward to transport.
Taking a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional markers, or over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is incorporated into the laboratory's system. It involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening conducts an initial examination for drugs of abuse. Although it is an economical way to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal purposes. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
A presumptive positive result at the Screening stage necessitates pulling more hair from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, the drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used for confirming any positive screening results. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The comparison between hair follicle and traditional urine testing in Toano, VA highlights a clear advantage. Hair tests are superb in detecting with higher accuracy and dependability. When reliability is key, hair testing shows superiority over urine tests due to extended detection periods and the inability to tamper easily.
Greater accuracy and less manipulation make a compelling case for hair testing.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Toano, VA provides a considerable advantage. Employers gain a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history, covering up to 90 days. This period offers a full picture instead of focusing on recent short-term habits, which traditional methods might miss.
With hair testing, understanding an employee's long-term behavior is more achievable.
Hair follicle tests in Toano, VA are constructed to drastically minimize tampering risks. Unlike other methods, hair tests provide reliable and indisputable results due to their robust sample integrity. This testing mode prevents any changes in sample composition, ensuring that results remain unaffected and genuine.
Sample adulteration concerns diminish significantly with this tamper-resistant method.
For those in Toano, VA, the availability of testing centers nationwide offers unmatched convenience. Our locations are strategically placed nationwide to facilitate swifter and simpler access to testing facilities.
Ensuring quick and hassle-free testing services makes the process less burdensome, aiding both employers and individuals.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Toano, VA is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy and ease concerns. Ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving the results are streamlined for user convenience.
Ensuring a seamless experience where individuals feel secure in their privacy remains a priority.
In Toano, VA, we deliver affordable pricing options coupled with fast turnaround times, providing exceptional value for companies of any size.
Our competitive structure guarantees that businesses can budget efficiently while still acquiring rapid results for timely decisions. Ensuring peace of mind through economic solutions underscores our commitment to client satisfaction.
In Toano, VA, hair follicle drug testing is distinguished by its speed and precision. When it comes to detecting substance use accurately, hair tests stand out. Swiftness and reliability in results make this method highly preferable.
Accuracy is paramount when testing, and hair follicle methods do not disappoint.
For companies in Toano, VA, employing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance and peace of mind. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies becomes easier, minimizing legal risks and boosting workplace safety. When enforcing strict substance policies,
hair follicle testing acts as a strong backbone, supporting a secure and law-abiding work environment.