Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Gettysburg, Ohio. If a hair drug or alcohol test is required, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in hair analysis and has locations nationwide for testing. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown of the head or body are needed. Hair tests can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be customized for specific testing options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become a more popular approach for drug testing. Many businesses, legal systems, and substance abuse professionals favor hair testing over traditional urine tests. Employers with strict no-drug-use policies, courts, and probationary individuals utilize these tests. A key advantage of hair testing is its ability to detect drug use over a longer period, up to 90 days, with a closely monitored collection process, making tampering nearly impossible. However, urine tests remain the most accurate for detecting recent drug use within the past 5 days.
* 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 crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can represent roughly a 3-month time frame for detecting drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) from the nearest point to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both preliminary testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advisable. It is recommended to measure the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If there is no scalp hair available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory examination of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial step of processing the sample into the laboratory’s system, which involves ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional information entry not already captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial expedited examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to negate drug presence in most samples, a positive indication must be validated to be upheld in legal contexts. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate further verification.
When samples exhibit presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is prepared from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at a much reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Validation of positive Screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is washed as required before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gettysburg, OH
Hair follicle tests offer significant advantages over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window and increased accuracy, hair tests provide a more reliable assessment of substance use. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily tampered with, hair testing offers nearly foolproof results, a critical advantage for maintaining stringent drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Gettysburg, OH
Hair follicle testing provides a wide detection window, able to trace drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged period allows employers to gain a broader understanding of an individual's substance use history. When assessing candidates or employees, this offers a more comprehensive picture, supporting informed hiring and employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gettysburg, OH
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chance of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are both reliable and trustworthy. Hair tests are collected under strict conditions that make altering the results nearly impossible, thus providing complete confidence in the integrity of the test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gettysburg, OH
Thanks to a broad network of testing centers nationwide, access to reliable testing services is both straightforward and convenient. Residents of Gettysburg, OH, along with the rest of the nation, can quickly and efficiently undergo necessary testing at competent facilities, sparing them unnecessary travel and stress.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gettysburg, OH
The process from ordering to receiving results of a hair test is designed to be seamless and private. Individuals can initiate a test without hassle, assured of complete confidentiality throughout the procedure. This ease of use and respect for privacy are key features of hair follicle testing services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gettysburg, OH
Offering competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing ensures that companies of all sizes have access to top-tier testing without financial strain. Alongside reasonable costs, quick turnaround times mean that decisions can be made swiftly, without delays, adding value to the service provided.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gettysburg, OH
When it comes to delivering quick and precise results, hair follicle drug testing stands out. The advanced methodologies employed ensure a high level of accuracy in identifying substance usage. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for those who require dependable results quickly, ensuring that decisions can be made with confidence based on solid evidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gettysburg, OH
Employers can rest easy knowing that hair follicle testing assists in upholding drug-free policies. This testing method helps ensure compliance with industry standards, thus lowering potential legal liabilities and fostering a safer workplace. It's an effective tool that contributes directly to organizational security and reliability.
