Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug screening services in Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania. Whether required for drug or alcohol testing, our expertise lies in hair tests, with centers across the nation, including in every city, to perform these tests. Typically, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches from the scalp or body is needed for analysis, allowing for drug, alcohol/ETG, or custom hair analysis.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has become more prevalent in drug testing practices. Many employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals opt for hair tests instead of urine tests. Companies with strict no-drug policies, courts, and those on probation greatly benefit from this testing. The standout advantage is its extended detection capacity, lasting up to 90 days, under supervised conditions, making it difficult to tamper. However, urine tests remain superior for detecting very recent drug use within the last 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.
Utilizing hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of its expanding strands, offering an extended history of substance usage. Collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) obtained closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirming purposes. For tests that include EtG, additional tests, or cover more than 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This encompasses verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an expedited preliminary examination for substance abuse. Though a cost-efficient method for dismissing drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen requires subsequent confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Samples present with presumptive positives in the Screening phase prompt extraction of more hair from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at markedly lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing one of the most challenging techniques.
For confirming positive screening outcomes, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Prior to confirmation, any samples with presumptive positives undergo necessary washing. This comprehensive lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP's (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
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Note: Commonly designated as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Castle Shannon, PA, the benefits of hair follicle testing surpass those of traditional urine tests. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, extending the period over which drug use can be identified. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent usage, hair follicle tests provide a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window
Castle Shannon, PA employers can take advantage of hair follicle testing's long detection window, which covers drug use for up to 90 days. This testing method presents a thorough overview of a candidate's or employee's substance history, offering invaluable insights into their past behaviors, aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing in Castle Shannon, PA, significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. This testing provides credible and irrefutable results, enhancing trust in the drug testing process. The method is designed to be tamper-resistant, making it a reliable choice for employers seeking uncompromised outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Castle Shannon, PA residents benefit from the convenience of our widespread testing network, providing easy access to testing facilities. Quick, hassle-free locations ensure seamless testing experiences, catering to the needs of all individuals needing hair follicle drug tests.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Castle Shannon, PA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease. From ordering to conducting the test and receiving results, the process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring a smooth experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Castle Shannon, PA, competitive pricing paired with swift turnaround times makes our hair follicle testing an attractive choice for businesses. Offering excellent value, this testing provides both affordability and peace of mind, accommodating companies regardless of size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Castle Shannon, PA, hair follicle drug tests are prized for their precision and speed in identifying substance use. These tests boast high accuracy, ensuring a reliable diagnosis of an individual's drug history. The quick processing time means results are available promptly, equipping employers and individuals with the necessary information in a timely manner.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Castle Shannon, PA can ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies with hair follicle testing. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also promotes a safe work environment, offering peace of mind through effective compliance and minimizing risks associated with drug use.
