Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Duncansville, Pennsylvania. If a hair-based drug or alcohol assessment is required, we're the experts in hair testing, with locations in cities across the country ready to conduct such exams. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from either the head or body is sufficient. Tests can identify the presence of drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for other purposes.
Nowadays, hair follicle drug testing is being incorporated more regularly as a method for drug assessments. Courts, companies, and Substance Abuse experts are opting for hair drug testing over the traditional urine analysis. Businesses with strict drug-free policies, legal entities, and probation enforcers often rely on these tests. A significant advantage is its longer detection timeline, spanning up to 90 days, with collection occurring under supervision, making it highly resistant to tampering. Yet, for recent drug activity detection within five days, urine analysis remains the gold standard.
* 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 assessments have become increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term drug and alcohol history by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
An adequate sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, essential for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair pertains to all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court acceptance. Any samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is one of the more challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All preliminary positive samples undergo washing as required prior to confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Duncansville, PA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. Its superior detection capabilities provide a more accurate picture of an individual's substance history. Unlike urine tests, which might miss some drug use, hair tests reveal consistent usage patterns, offering employers and professionals better reliability.
Employers in Duncansville, PA benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. This method can reveal drug usage from up to 90 days in the past, offering a broad perspective on an individual’s engagement with substances over time, unlike other tests which might have a shorter timeframe for detection.
In Duncansville, PA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing reduces risks associated with sample deception. Unlike other methods, hair samples are much harder to manipulate, providing results that are reliable and unquestionable, ensuring confidence in the test outcomes.
Our testing centers in Duncansville, PA, and across the nation make accessing hair follicle testing convenient. With nationwide and local locations, individuals benefit from quick and hassle-free service access, ensuring an easy testing experience.
In Duncansville, PA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. We prioritize privacy at every step, from ordering the test to receiving results, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use, and ensuring a straightforward process for all involved.
We offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Duncansville, PA, ensuring great value. Our competitive pricing structures and quick results provide peace of mind and are suitable for businesses of all sizes, making our services accessible and budget-friendly.
In Duncansville, PA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its accuracy and speed. It's renowned for quick and precise results that thoroughly detect substance use. This method offers a high level of assurance that other tests might miss, making it a preferred choice for those who need fast yet dependable results.
For employers in Duncansville, PA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method not only enhances safety but also offers peace of mind by reducing legal risks. Companies can maintain a secure work environment, knowing they are minimizing potential substance-related issues.
