Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Concordville, Pennsylvania. If a hair drug or alcohol test is needed, Accredited Drug Testing is a specialist in hair testing, offering testing centers Nationwide that deliver hair testing services. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of head or body hair is necessary. Hair tests can screen for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer other tailored options.
In recent years, hair follicle drug testing has increasingly been utilized. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse specialists often favor hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. These tests are popular with employers enforcing strict drug-free policies, judicial systems, or probationary programs. Hair tests are highly effective, with an impressive up to 90-day detection window, collected under observed conditions, making cheating very difficult. Conversely, urine tests remain ideal for detecting recent drug usage 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 analysis is widely recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair strands provide historical data on alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within their fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers about a three-month detection period for substances. Its collection is straightforward, it's relatively tamper-proof, and it can be easily transported.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg, which is the desired quantity for testing. For EtG, specialized tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 substances, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system, ensuring the sample's seal and shipment were handled correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for drug abuse substances. Though Screening is an economical approach to discard drug presence in most samples, a positive initial result necessitates verification for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive non-definitively during Screening, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is one of the most intricate methodologies.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples assumed positive undergo a pre-confirmation wash as necessary. The entirety of the lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair Follicle Testing Versus Urine Testing in Concordville, PA
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests with superior detection precision and dependability. The extended detection window allows for more comprehensive substance use history, proving advantageous to employers and law enforcement. The hair test offers a more robust safeguard against sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results.
Extended Detection Window in Concordville, PA
Hair tests reveal drug use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended timeframe provides a more complete substance use profile for employees or job candidates, helping employers make well-informed decisions. The ability to look further back in time is a distinct advantage, offering insights not possible with shorter detection methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Concordville, PA
Hair follicle tests considerably decrease the likelihood of tampered samples, thus guaranteeing results that are both reliable and uncontestable. This method strengthens the integrity of drug testing, ensuring individuals cannot alter outcomes, thereby providing peace of mind for all involved parties.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Concordville, PA
Testing at nationwide centers offers seamless access to services, providing convenience and ease for individuals everywhere. In Concordville, the availability of local locations ensures that the testing process is expedited, making it hassle-free and efficient for residents, contributing to broader public health efforts.
Simple, Confidential Process in Concordville, PA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private, safeguarding user confidentiality from ordering through to receiving results. This user-friendly approach reassures individuals, addressing any privacy-related concerns and streamlining the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Concordville, PA
Competitive pricing structures paired with rapid result delivery offer exceptional value for businesses, regardless of size. Organizations benefit from both cost effectiveness and swift processing, making hair follicle testing both economical and appealing for widespread adoption.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Concordville, PA
Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. These tests are renowned for their high levels of accuracy and speed, making them an ideal choice for detecting substance use. Their swift processing and the precision of results contribute to the reliability of hair follicle testing as a preferred method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Concordville, PA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to workplace drug-free standards while reducing legal exposure. Such compliance offers increased safety within the workplace, as hair tests accurately catch substance use over a substantial period, ensuring a healthier work environment.
