Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug screenings right in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania! If a hair or alcohol test is needed, we excel in specialized hair examinations. With centers established across all U.S. cities, securing a test is easy. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from your head or body are preferred for analysis. These tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for unique needs.
In recent times, hair follicle drug testing has increasingly become the preferred choice for conducting drug tests. An increasing number of employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists are opting for hair drug analysis instead of the conventional urine test. This method is popular with organizations enforcing strict no-drug policies and with legal settings for probationers. Its primary advantage lies in its ability to trace substance use over a longer period - typically up to 90 days, through a monitored process that's notoriously hard to manipulate. For detecting recent drug use within 5 days, however, urine tests remain the most accurate.
* 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 has now become recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. Collected near the scalp, it can indicate drug use up to a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirming results. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four pivotal stages in the lab processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase, where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entails any additional data entry beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is an initial and rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a more affordable method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screens must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirming any positive Screening results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, excluding the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ellwood City, PA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy in Ellwood City, PA. The ability to discover drug use over extended periods gives it an edge, providing more comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance history, and ensuring more reliable test outcomes.
The benefits of hair testing are evident in its more extensive detection window and resistance to manipulation. Unlike urine tests, which can be cheated with adulterants, hair testing minimizes these risks, offering peace of mind to those relying on accurate results.
Extended Detection Window in Ellwood City, PA
Hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection window, providing a drug use history of up to 90 days. This method allows employers in Ellwood City, PA, to gain a detailed picture of an individual's substance patterns, aiding in informed decision-making regarding employment prospects.
Challenging to replicate with urine tests, this analysis grants businesses a long-term view of an applicant's drug use. By capturing a more comprehensive timeline, it enhances the evaluation of drug-free commitment over an extended period.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ellwood City, PA
Hair follicle testing in Ellwood City, PA, provides a tamper-resistant approach, dramatically reducing sample adulteration. The stringent collection process ensures the integrity of the test, delivering credible results that are hard to question, thus confirming its reliability in various settings.
Thanks to its robust sampling method, hair testing minimizes errors often associated with specimen manipulation. These fortified measures offer unwavering assurance of the sample's authenticity, significantly strengthening its credibility.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ellwood City, PA
Our extensive network of testing centers supports ease and convenience, offering quick access to drug testing services across the nation and locally in Ellwood City, PA. This widespread network ensures a streamlined, hassle-free testing process for all your needs.
The availability of numerous accredited centers guarantees swift service, eliminating any barriers to conducting essential drug tests. This accessibility is crucial in efficiently managing substance use assessments, supporting individuals and organizations alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ellwood City, PA
Our hair follicle testing guarantees a straightforward, confidential process, from ordering to receiving results. Designed with user privacy in mind, it ensures ease of use for Ellwood City, PA, clients, addressing concerns about privacy and efficiency with care.
This discreet approach upholds confidentiality throughout the procedure. Each step, from scheduling to result delivery, respects the privacy of individuals, maintaining a trustworthy relationship and smooth operation for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ellwood City, PA
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair testing services in Ellwood City, PA, deliver outstanding value. Companies of all sizes benefit from exceptional cost-effectiveness without compromising the speed and reliability of the results.
Our efficiencies ensure rapid processing and result delivery, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellent service. Businesses can confidently manage substance testing needs, knowing they have chosen a cost-effective and responsive partner.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ellwood City, PA
Hair follicle drug testing delivers swift and trustworthy results, highlighting its efficiency in substance use detection. The precision of this method allows for the accurate tracing of drug consumption, providing an advantage in speed and reliability unmatched by other testing approaches.
Employers and other entities requiring immediate and precise insights into substance use can trust hair follicle testing's exceptional accuracy. Its high reliability ensures that the detection of various substances is conducted thoroughly and efficiently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ellwood City, PA
Implementing hair follicle testing complies with stringent workplace drug policies, providing peace of mind to employers. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety in Ellwood City, PA, work environments, maintaining a drug-free atmosphere vital for business integrity.
The accuracy and reliability of hair follicle testing make it indispensable in enforcing drug policies. By minimizing legal liabilities, it fortifies workplace safety, solidifying stringent drug-free environments to benefit all stakeholders.