Accredited Drug Testing offers a comprehensive service for hair follicle drug testing in Birmingham, Pennsylvania. Specializing in both drug and alcohol hair tests, our nationwide centers are equipped to handle your testing needs efficiently, whether it's for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other customized options. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of crown or body hair is needed for accurate testing.
In recent times, hair follicle drug testing has become a more common procedure for employers, courts, and substance abuse experts who mandate a shift away from the traditional urine tests. These tests are favored by those upholding drug-free policies due to their substantial 90-day detection window and the challenge involved in falsifying results. However, it should be noted that urine tests still hold the advantage of accuracy when assessing very recent drug use, typically within five 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 has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use and alcohol intake within a roughly 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's advisable to use a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair refers to all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug testing outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the lab's records. This step includes ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-effective solution to exclude drug use in most samples, confirmation is required for positive results to be legally acceptable. Presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further verification.
When a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, substances are isolated from hair at much lesser concentration levels compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is among the most intricate methodologies.
Positive results from screening are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All positive preliminary samples are cleansed before final confirmation, if necessary. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Birmingham, PA
In Birmingham, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can detect drug use for up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive overview of someone’s substance history. This method, coupled with its resistance to tampering, makes it a preferable choice for employers and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window in Birmingham, PA
The hair follicle test in Birmingham fascinates many for its ability to identify drug use over a prolonged period, reaching up to 90 days back. This feature makes it an invaluable tool for employers aiming to understand an applicant's or employee's past substance use comprehensively. Such an extensive detection period surpasses other testing methods, providing a broader view of an individual's drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Birmingham, PA
In Birmingham, hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable outcomes. This testing method's resilience against tampering provides unquestionable results that employers, courts, and individuals can trust. The inherent difficulty in manipulating hair samples makes it a robust choice for accurate and authentic testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Birmingham, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Birmingham, PA, ensures convenient and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing services nationwide. This broad reach allows individuals and organizations to benefit from swift and uncomplicated testing processes, tailoring solutions to their specific requirements efficiently and effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Birmingham, PA
Engaging in hair follicle testing in Birmingham involves a simple and confidential process, ensuring that all individuals feel secure at every stage. From ordering a test to obtaining results, the process is streamlined with privacy as a priority, addressing any fears concerning confidentiality and assuring ease of use throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Birmingham, PA
Our Birmingham, PA, services offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, ensuring clients receive excellent value for their investment. The affordability and swiftness of services provide peace of mind for companies regardless of size, ensuring reliable test results without budget strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Birmingham, PA
Hair follicle testing in Birmingham offers unmatched precision, quickly detecting substance use with high accuracy. This method stands out for its ability to deliver prompt and reliable results, ensuring that individuals and organizations can trust the findings without delay. Its speedy processing provides peace of mind, making it a preferred choice over traditional methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Birmingham, PA
Hair follicle testing in Birmingham is pivotal for maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By adopting this thorough testing method, employers can reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety. Not only does it assure adherence to policy standards, but it also provides peace of mind by promoting a safe and productive working environment.
