In Austin, Pennsylvania, Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive solutions for hair follicle drug testing. Our expertise in hair testing encompasses both drug and alcohol tests, with numerous testing centers across the nation. Typically, a length of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is required. Hair tests are adept at detecting drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offer customizable options.
Recently, there's been a shift towards hair follicle drug tests for screening substances. Employers with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and substance abuse professionals often prefer these over traditional urine tests. The main advantage of hair testing is a prolonged detection window, up to 90 days, collected under strict observation, and they're nearly impossible to alter. However, urine tests still lead in accurately detecting recent drug use within 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 testing has emerged as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When cut close to the scalp, hair can indicate up to a 3-month usage history for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to manipulation, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in a laboratory's drug test result process include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the laboratory's workflow. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drug presence. Although Screening offers a cost-effective approach to negate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires verification to be valid in a legal setting. Any sample initially testing positive in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screen is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples that are presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 qualification standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine Testing: Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy and reliability. In Austin, PA, hair tests detect drug use over a longer period, providing more comprehensive results.
Why Hair Testing Leads: The enhanced detection capabilities and difficulty of tampering make hair follicle tests a preferable choice over traditional urine tests, ensuring a more reliable assessment.
Extended Detection Period in Austin, PA: Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its ability to reveal drug usage up to 90 days prior, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance use history.
Thorough Assessment: Employers appreciate the extended detection window that hair testing provides, granting them insights into long-term substance use behavior among applicants or employees.
Reducing Adulteration Risks: Hair follicle drug tests in Austin, PA, are recognized for their tamper-resistant nature, ensuring authentic and dependable results for substance usage analysis.
Unquestionable Reliability: With minimized risks of sample adulteration, hair tests offer a reliable solution to maintain integrity in drug testing processes.
Extensive Testing Network: Our network of testing centers ensures straightforward access to hair follicle testing services in Austin, PA, and across the nation.
Local and Nationwide Convenience: The presence of conveniently located testing sites makes the process seamless and efficient for all clients seeking reliable testing solutions.
Streamlined Process: In Austin, PA, ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is made easy, upholding confidentiality and simplicity throughout the procedure.
Emphasizing Privacy: The testing process is designed to respect privacy and ensure ease of use, providing clients with stress-free testing experiences.
Competitive Pricing in Austin, PA: Hair follicle tests are offered at affordable rates, providing excellent value while ensuring reliable testing for companies of all sizes.
Quick Turnaround Times: With fast processing, our tests deliver results promptly, offering peace of mind and allowing businesses to make informed decisions quickly.
Speed and Precision in Austin, PA: Hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their swift and accurate results. This method provides a high level of precision when identifying substance use, delivering reliable and timely results.
Reliable Detection: The accuracy of hair tests makes them an excellent choice for ensuring trustworthy detection of drug use, setting them apart as a superior testing method in Austin, PA.
Ensuring Compliance in Austin, PA: Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining workplace compliance with drug-free policies, significantly lowering legal risks.
Enhancing Workplace Safety: Hair tests provide peace of mind through consistent adherence to compliance standards, fostering a safer working environment for all.
