Accredited Drug Testing offers a full range of hair follicle drug testing services in Brandywine, West Virginia. If you're in need of a hair drug or alcohol test, Accredited Drug Testing is your go-to expert in hair testing, with centers available in all cities nationwide capable of performing hair tests. Generally, you must have 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the crown of your head, but body hair may often be used. Hair tests can be tailored to analyze drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other custom options.
In recent years, hair follicle drug tests have increasingly become a popular method for conducting drug screening. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals prefer hair drug tests over standard urine tests. Employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and those on probation often rely on hair follicle drug tests. The main advantage of hair follicle drug testing is its extended detection period, typically up to 90 days. The collection process is observed, making it very difficult to manipulate the results. However, for identifying drug use within the past five days, urine tests remain the most accurate.
* 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 emerged as an effective method for uncovering the use of drugs and alcohol. The fibers in growing hair strands capture biomarkers, thus offering a long-term record of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal the presence of alcohol and other drugs over a period of about 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, generally impervious to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, encompassing around 200 hairs (roughly as thick as a #2 pencil), when cut closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial screening and confirmation tests. For testing EtG, additional measurements, or panels over 10, it’s advisable to gather 150mg of hair. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for precise weighing. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, equivalent body hair can be used. The term “head hair” specifically refers to hair from the scalp, whereas “body hair” encompasses all other types (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of drug tests are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s protocol. This step ensures the sample’s integrity in sealing and shipping, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While this approach is cost-effective for ruling out drugs in most specimens, any positive result from Screening needs confirmation to be legally admissible. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a specimen show a presumptive positive during the Screening process, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are used to confirm any positive screening outcomes. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as deemed necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis primarily focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brandywine, WV
Hair testing presents a superior alternative to traditional urine tests through enhanced detection accuracy. It provides reliable insights into long-term drug use patterns. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a comprehensive view that shows consistent use over 90 days, proving difficult to evade and ensuring more dependable results for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Brandywine, WV
One of the biggest strengths of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to detect drug use over an extended timeframe of up to 90 days. This gives employers in Brandywine, WV, a broader view of an employee's or candidate's substance use habits, offering invaluable insights into their long-term behaviors and ensuring better hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brandywine, WV
Hair follicle tests substantially mitigate the risk of adulteration, offering results that are difficult to argue against. This method reduces concerns about sample tampering, assuring employers in Brandywine, WV, of the authenticity of test results. These hair tests bolster confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Brandywine, WV
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenience and ease of access to testing services across the nation and locally in Brandywine, WV. This widespread availability makes it simple for individuals to undertake testing promptly, offering hassle-free processes for both employers and test-takers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brandywine, WV
Ordering, participating in, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. This seamless and discreet process alleviates privacy concerns, tailoring to the needs of individuals and employers in Brandywine, WV, looking for an efficient and private testing solution.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brandywine, WV
Our competitive pricing structure paired with swift turnaround times ensures excellent value and support for companies of varying sizes in Brandywine, WV. The affordable cost coupled with fast results makes hair follicle testing an attractive option, keeping employers ahead in managing workplace safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brandywine, WV
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precision and speed in detecting substance use. Their high accuracy ensures reliable results, making them a trusted option in Brandywine, WV. This testing method offers a quick yet comprehensive look into an individual's drug use history, significantly benefiting employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brandywine, WV
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace regulations, lowering legal risks, and boosting safety standards. Employers in Brandywine, WV, gain peace of mind knowing they contribute to a safer and compliant work environment by relying on this diligent testing method.
