Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. If you require a drug or alcohol hair analysis, we have expertise in hair testing and offer facilities in cities across the nation, including body hair options for most cases. These tests screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, and other customized options.
Recently, drug testing methods increasingly favor hair follicle testing. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals are shifting towards this method instead of urine testing. Hair follicle tests suit employers who enforce strict no-drug policies. They offer the advantage of a longer detection window, lasting up to 90 days, and are nearly impossible to tamper with. For detecting drug use within 5 days, however, urine tests still hold superiority in accuracy.
* 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 recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, documenting a prolonged history of substances ingested. When the sample is collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands, comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil, provides around 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for preliminary and confirmatory tests. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the beginning stage where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This encompasses confirming the sample's proper sealing and dispatch, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data inputs not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening represents an initial swift check for substance abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-effective method to rule out substance presence in most tests, a positive result requires confirmation to maintain legal admissibility. Every sample indicating drug presence in Screening necessitates further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. In this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing notably challenging.
Confirmation of all positive Screening results involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab process spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the testing focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outranks Urine Testing in Shepherdstown, WV
In a comparison between methods, hair testing offers substantial benefits over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities can reveal substance use long after urine tests can’t, providing a reliable measure that is hard to mask or falsify, thus giving authorities more trust in its results.
Extended Detection Window in Shepherdstown, WV
Hair follicle drug testing offers an extended detection window, capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days. This duration is particularly beneficial for employers wanting a complete overview of an individual’s potential long-term substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their tamper-resistant qualities.
In Shepherdstown, WV, these tests reduce the risk of sample adulteration. Their inherent structure makes it nearly impossible for any manipulation, ensuring that results are trustworthy and can be relied upon for sound judgments.
The convenience of nationwide testing facilities, including those in Shepherdstown, WV, means easy access for all who seek hair follicle drug tests. With multiple locations, the availability ensures a hassle-free experience without lengthy travel, allowing for efficient and prompt testing procedures.
Simplicity and Privacy in Shepherdstown, WV
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential, emphasizing user privacy. Individuals can smoothly order, take the test, and receive results, knowing their personal information and test details remain secure throughout.
Affordable Pricing and quick turnaround in Shepherdstown, WV offers outstanding value. Competitive rates alongside fast processing times ensure businesses of all sizes benefit from these services without compromising on quality or breaking budgets.
In Shepherdstown, WV, hair follicle drug tests boast impressive precision and speed. High accuracy is exemplified in how they reliably detect substance use, offering results that are quick and dependable, making them a preferred choice for detecting drug usage.
The advanced methodology ensures that tests effectively capture past drug use, providing a comprehensive picture of an individual's recent substance history.
Through hair follicle testing in Shepherdstown, WV, employers achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests mitigate legal risks and enhance workplace safety by reliably screening for drug use, ensuring that compliance is not only met but peace of mind is assured.
