Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Altoona, Pennsylvania. If you're seeking a drug or alcohol screening via hair, our specialty lies in hair testing. We maintain test sites nationwide to perform these assessments. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of crown or body hair is needed. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or include other tailored options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have become more prevalent in substance screening methods. A growing number of employers, legal entities, and substance experts prefer this test over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle assessments benefit employers with zero-tolerance policies, the judiciary, and probation services. Their extended detection window, up to 90 days, advantages hair tests by making them nearly anti-cheat in observed collections, although urine tests remain most exact for recent 5-day screenings.
* 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 now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair can reveal a prolonged history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. If cut near the scalp, a hair sample can indicate alcohol and other drug usage for up to a three-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to falsify, and easy to transport.
An ideal sample for testing and confirmation is a 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, which provides 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If no scalp hair is accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we discuss head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into a lab's system, ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Screening is a cost-effective method for excluding drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen needs confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with presumptively positive screening results require additional verification.
If the Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional strands from the original sample are prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than urine or oral fluid methods, rendering hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Any positive screening findings are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, aligns with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," this analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Altoona, PA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The method stands out for its superior detection ability and reliability.
Extended detection periods provide insights into past drug consumption, generally extending up to 90 days compared to the brief window with urine screenings. Employers who prioritize accuracy and thoroughness prefer hair testing for its comprehensive results.
Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is known for its robust defense against falsification and contamination, strengthening test integrity. This reliability makes hair testing a trusted choice for environments where accurate results impact critical decisions and safety standards.
Altoona, PA, benefits greatly from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, surpassing typical tests like urine screenings. They can unveil drug use spanning nearly three months, offering employers peace of mind and a drug-use timeline that highlights long-term patterns rather than isolated incidents.
This longer window allows for a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant’s or employee's history with substances. Employers can make informed decisions, knowing the hair analysis captures a broader scope of substance use, not visible through other testing methods.
Hair follicle tests in Altoona, PA, are a bastion against sample tampering. The nature of collecting hair samples greatly diminishes the risks associated with substitution, adulteration, or dilution, which are challenges often faced with urine tests. This provides an added layer of security to the testing process, ensuring results are reliable and unquestionable.
The robustness of hair testing methods reduces uncertainties related to sample integrity. Its tamper-resistant nature is why many prefer it in environments demanding concrete, unassailable results, fostering trust in the outcomes delivered.
With locations nationwide, including Altoona, PA, our testing centers offer unparalleled convenience. We eliminate the hassle of finding testing services by ensuring that wherever you are, a testing center is easily accessible, facilitating quick, straightforward assessments that respect your time and needs.
Our expansive network guarantees you can access hair follicle testing services without unnecessary travel or delays. In Altoona, local options mean testing is both efficient and convenient, maintaining accessibility for individuals and organizations requiring reliable results.
In Altoona, PA, the hair follicle testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step is streamlined to safeguard privacy while maximizing ease of use, addressing any concerns individuals may have over privacy and ease.
This user-focused approach not only simplifies drug screening procedures but ensures that clients feel confident about data protection. Ensuring that privacy is paramount encourages trust in the testing system, vital for sensitive assessments like drug testing.
Competitive pricing and fast turnarounds make hair follicle testing in Altoona, PA, a sought-after solution. Our rates provide affordable options that align with the budget constraints of organizations of all sizes, without compromising on service quality or speed of results.
The integrated efficiency and economic pricing represent excellent value, ensuring businesses receive dependable results swiftly. This combination of affordability and quick service reassures clients of both their financial and assurance-related concerns.
Drug testing in Altoona, PA, with hair follicle methods delivers speed, accuracy, and reliability. With a swift analysis process, these tests ensure rapid results without compromising precision. High accuracy rates make hair testing an unparalleled choice for detecting substance use, providing trusted outcomes for employers and individuals alike.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. Their sophisticated techniques allow them to identify traces of substances with great accuracy. Designed for high-stakes environments, this methodology is perfect for those seeking reliable insights into substance usage patterns without delay.
For employers in Altoona, PA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal risks and enhances safety, assuring employers that they are taking the most stringent measures against workplace substance use. Peace of mind comes from knowing hair testing supports a zero-tolerance approach effectively.
Hair testing's rigorous methodology stands as a safeguard against potential legal complications from drug use cases. Thus, integrating these tests into workplace policies promotes a culture of safety and adherence to established standards, protecting organizational integrity.
