Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. If you're in need of either a drug or alcohol test through hair analysis, Accredited Drug Testing is your expert choice, offering testing centers across the nation capable of conducting these tests. Typically, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches is required from the crown, though body hair may also be used in many instances. Hair tests are versatile, detecting drugs, alcohol/ETG, or customized options as per requirements.
In recent times, drug testing methodologies have increasingly incorporated hair follicle drug tests. Numerous employers, judicial systems, and Substance Abuse professionals now favor hair drug tests over the conventional urine tests. Employers with strict no-drug-use policies, courts, and probationary individuals benefit from hair follicle tests due to their extended drug detection period of up to 90 days, accompanied by a supervised collection process that is almost impossible to manipulate. However, for detecting recent drug use within the past 5 days, urine tests are still the most precise.
* 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 gained recognition as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
By collecting a 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, one can obtain 100mg of hair, ideal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require further confirmation.
For samples presumed positive at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Pittsburgh, PA
The advantages of hair testing are clear when compared to traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a longer history of substance use.
While urine tests are effective for recent use, hair tests provide a broader view, making them invaluable in maintaining strict drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in East Pittsburgh, PA
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This extended detection window is crucial for employers who wish to gain a comprehensive view of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, offering insights beyond the capabilities of other testing methods.
The extended window offers employers peace of mind, ensuring that they have a complete overview of an individual’s potential drug use, promoting a safer and more informed workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Pittsburgh, PA
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to sample tampering. This method significantly reduces the chance of adulteration, offering results that are reliable and nearly impossible to dispute.
With its tamper-resistant nature, hair testing ensures that the integrity of the test is maintained from collection to result, providing unquestionable outcomes that can be trusted by employers and legal entities alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Pittsburgh, PA
The widespread network of testing centers ensures quick and convenient access to testing services. Whether located in East Pittsburgh or elsewhere, the hassle-free process allows for easy scheduling of tests at numerous Nationwide locations, making it accessible no matter where you reside.
Our local and national infrastructure for drug testing services makes it possible to match convenience with efficiency, ensuring swift and straightforward access when needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Pittsburgh, PA
The process of ordering and taking hair follicle tests is straightforward and respects client privacy.
Ensuring confidentiality at every step provides reassurance that personal information is protected throughout the entire testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Pittsburgh, PA
We offer competitive pricing structures with fast turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our pricing strategy delivers affordability without compromising on quality or speed of service, making it an excellent choice for various business needs.
By providing quick results at a cost-effective rate, businesses can efficiently manage their needs, offering peace of mind and a reliable solution for ongoing compliance with drug policies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Pittsburgh, PA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use, delivering results that employers can trust. The methodology ensures quick processing, allowing prompt access to findings while maintaining high standards of reliability and accuracy.
Employing hair follicle testing means that test results are not only swiftly produced but also carry a degree of accuracy seldom matched by other testing methods. This speed and accuracy make it a preferred choice when timely and dependable results are required.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Pittsburgh, PA
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, which in turn minimizes legal risks and enhances safety. This method of testing provides a reliable tool that aligns with stringent compliance requirements.
Employers can experience peace of mind knowing their workplace is safer and that policy violations are efficiently addressed, supporting a productive and secure working environment.