Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Weirton, West Virginia. If a hair drug or alcohol screening is required, we excel in such evaluations and maintain facilities across all cities nationwide for these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body can be assessed. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or can be customized for other options.
The approach to drug testing has shifted more towards hair follicle testing in recent times. This type of test is increasingly preferred by employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals over standard urine tests. Employers with strict drug policies, courts, and those on probation utilize hair tests. Their main advantage is a longer detection window, up to 90 days, and they are collected under observation, making them nearly foolproof. However, for drug use detected within the last 5 days, urine tests still provide the most accurate results.
* 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 increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft as it grows. When hair is cut close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
Taking a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and validation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg quantity is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes any other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step involves checking that the sample is sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial quick assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any presumptive positives in Screening warrant a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample appears positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. Drugs are drawn from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most complex method.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing over Urine Testing in Weirton, WV
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. With a longer window of detection, hair tests are better at revealing a history of substance use, providing more comprehensive results than their urine counterparts.
Moreover, hair testing minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring that results remain untarnished. This makes it a more trustworthy choice, particularly for rigorous testing needs.
Prolonged Detection Capabilities in Weirton, WV
Hair follicle testing's ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days is a significant advantage. This extended timeframe provides employers with a detailed understanding of a person’s substance behavior over months, rather than days.
This long-term insight is invaluable for employers wishing to maintain a drug-free workplace, allowing a deeper evaluation of an individual's substance use history.
Hair Testing's Resistance to Tampering in Weirton, WV
The security of hair follicle tests makes them highly resistant to tampering, offering an increase in reliability over other methods. This resilience ensures that sample adulteration is virtually impossible, thus maintaining the integrity of the test.
The observed collection process adds an additional layer of trust, as it significantly minimizes contamination risks, serving as a reliable detection method.
Convenience with Nationwide and Local Testing Centers in Weirton, WV
With an extensive network of testing locations nationwide, including in Weirton, WV, access to drug testing services is both quick and convenient.
This widespread availability minimizes travel time and hassle, ensuring seamless integration into routine processes, and making compliance straightforward and stress-free for businesses and individuals.
Effortless and Confidential Process in Weirton, WV
The procedure for scheduling and conducting hair follicle tests is straightforward and ensures user privacy. From the initial appointment setup to receiving results, confidentiality is upheld, easing concerns.
This ease of use supports peace of mind while emphasizing discretion, making it an attractive option for those concerned about privacy.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Results in Weirton, WV
Our cost-effective pricing structures ensure excellent value. Coupled with fast turnaround times, companies can rely on getting reliable results quickly, benefiting operations of all sizes.
This level of affordability, combined with efficiency, offers businesses the economic advantage they seek, without compromising on quality or reliability.
Fast and Precise Testing in Weirton, WV
Hair follicle testing boasts quick and reliable results, ensuring accurate detection of substances. This method provides high confidence in the results' integrity, making it a valuable tool in environments that require stringent testing.
Employers benefit from its precision and efficiency, allowing for timely decision-making. The capability of hair testing to offer such reliable and swift results makes it a preferred choice for many.
Achieving Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Weirton, WV
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers can effectively comply with drug-free workplace mandates, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safe work environment.
The assurance of accurate and dependable results facilitates peace of mind, ensuring that companies maintain regulatory compliance while safeguarding workplace integrity.
