Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug analysis in Jefferson, Pennsylvania. Whether you seek a hair drug or alcohol examination, our centers nationwide are equipped to conduct hair assessments. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head crown or body is typically required. Hair analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, as well as other personalized hair testing services.
Over recent years, drug testing methods increasingly include hair follicle analysis. This approach is favored by employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts who prefer it over the typical urine analysis. Hair follicle evaluations are particularly employed by organizations with strict drug-free policies, legal entities, and probation officers. Its primary advantage is an extended detection window of up to 90 days, conducted under supervision, and is almost tamper-proof. Despite this, for detecting recent usage in the last 5 days, urine remains the most precise method.
* 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 is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of drugs, including alcohol, by locking in biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use up to nearly a 3-month period. Collecting hair is straightforward, less susceptible to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of around 200 strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, the same quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial, axillary, and so forth).
Process Overview
The fundamental steps in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any added data input not already covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is a preliminary swift assessment for drug substances. While Screening is a cost-efficient tool to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated for legal admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening concludes with a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in markedly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certified to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Jefferson, PA
Hair testing provides a superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Hair samples capture drug use data over a prolonged period, offering a more comprehensive analysis. Unlike urine tests which can be affected by recent abstinence, hair tests reliably reflect consistent patterns of substance use.
Employers in Jefferson, PA benefit from hair follicle tests as they present a more robust analysis, minimizing the chances of false negatives. This method allows for early detection and intervention, promoting a safer working environment absent in traditional urine tests. The reliability of hair analysis boosts employer confidence in upholding their drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Jefferson, PA
Hair follicle testing provides a long detection period, revealing drug usage up to 90 days prior. This extended window offers employers in Jefferson, PA a complete view of an individual’s drug history, enhancing their ability to make informed hiring decisions. Unlike urine tests, which offer a limited snapshot, hair tests cover a more significant timeframe.
This broader detection capability is crucial for companies trying to maintain drug-free policies effectively. It empowers organizations with the knowledge of prolonged substance use, rather than recent abstinence that might be sufficient to pass a urine test, ensuring more apt candidate evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Jefferson, PA
The robustness of hair follicle testing reduces the threat of sample tampering, offering reliable results. Unlike other test forms prone to adulteration, the integrity of hair samples remains intact from collection to analysis, making it a preferred choice in Jefferson, PA for authenticity and reliability.
This tamper-resistant nature ensures test results are an accurate reflection of an individual's history. Employers value this method as it alleviates concerns associated with falsified results, ensuring the integrity of the testing process and the decisions based on it.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Jefferson, PA
With a widespread network of testing centers across the nation, securing a hair follicle test in Jefferson, PA is streamlined and accessible. This extensive availability enables employees and employers to partake in testing services swiftly, eliminating logistical barriers.
The seamless access to testing facilities locally ensures that scheduling and attending appointments is hassle-free. Our nationwide presence empowers organizations to maintain efficient testing cycles, meeting their drug policy execution needs effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Jefferson, PA
The process for engaging with hair follicle testing remains straightforward and confidential. In Jefferson, PA, individuals can expect an uncomplicated pathway from ordering to receiving results, with due regard for privacy and confidentiality, building trust in the testing process.
The discreet nature of the testing procedure ensures that privacy is maintained throughout. Participants find reassurance in this approach, knowing that their information is handled with sensitivity, free from exposure or misuse, and streamlined for user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jefferson, PA
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times offer exceptional value for companies of diverse sizes in Jefferson, PA. These cost-effective solutions don't compromise on quality, ensuring businesses benefit from both financial prudence and rapid insights.
Fast result delivery aligns with business needs, ensuring employers can make timely, informed decisions. The affordability of hair follicle tests in Jefferson proves advantageous for organizations keen on maintaining rigorous drug policies without undue financial burden.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Jefferson, PA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision in detecting substance use, offering swift and dependable outcomes. They surpass traditional methods by accurately reflecting an individual's drug history, facilitating informed decisions for employers. The robustness of these tests ensures confidence in the results, aiding in maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
In Jefferson, PA, the speed of obtaining results through hair follicle testing means employers and entities can act promptly. With high accuracy ratings, these tests leave little room for error, ensuring that the individual’s substance use is thoroughly evaluated. This efficiency becomes paramount in high-stakes environments where rapid decision-making is essential.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Jefferson, PA
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks, and enhancing safety. For employers in Jefferson, PA, this translates into peace of mind, knowing their drug testing protocols are compliant with regulations and effectively mitigating liability risks.
Employers gain assurance from the reliability of hair testing, knowing they are equipped to sustain a substance-free workplace. This compliance fosters a safer, more productive environment, boosting employer confidence in maintaining operational standards.