Accredited Drug Testing offers extensive hair follicle drug screening services in Lime Ridge, Pennsylvania. If you're in need of a hair-based drug or alcohol test, Accredited Drug Testing is the expert, with testing venues across every city nationwide ready to conduct hair tests. Generally, a minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is required from the crown of the head, although body hair can be used. Hair analysis can cover drugs, alcohol/ETG, or unique testing options.
In the past few years, hair follicle drug testing has become a more prevalent method in drug testing procedures. This type of testing is increasingly being mandated by employers, legal systems, and Substance Abuse professionals rather than the conventional urine test. Employers enforcing strict anti-drug policies, courts, and probation individuals frequently employ hair follicle tests. The main advantage is its longer detection time for drugs, generally up to 90 days, with observed sample collection that is virtually tamper-proof. However, for drug use within the previous five days, the urine test maintains higher accuracy.
* 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 emerged as a potent method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of these substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and substances. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately as thick as a #2 pencil) near the scalp, results in 100mg of hair — the ideal sample size for initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, "body hair" pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample handling within a lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample’s seal and shipping integrity, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any supplementary data entry outside of an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening provides a preliminary inspection for drug misuse. While cost-effective for initially dismissing drug use in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Confirmation is mandatory for any samples with a presumptive positive screening result.
In cases where the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive result, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, attributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening findings is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a pre-confirmation wash as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Lime Ridge, PA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over urine tests. Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with its extended detection capabilities and reliability. This method ensures superior accuracy and provides a comprehensive view of substance use history, making it a preferred choice for many employers and professionals over traditional urine testing methods.
In Lime Ridge, PA, one of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can reveal drug use for up to 90 days prior, allowing employers to glean a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. This extended window is critical for making informed hiring decisions, ensuring that any historical drug use is accurately documented.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Lime Ridge, PA, sets them apart from other drug testing methods. The hair tests effectively minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity of test results. By significantly reducing the chance of tampering, these tests provide assurance in reliability, offering unquestionable outcomes that meet the highest standards of accuracy.
Our convenient testing locations nationwide, including those in Lime Ridge, PA, make drug testing seamless and accessible. We ensure that quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services are always within reach, offering unparalleled convenience. Whether local or nationwide, our vast network of centers provides efficient access to drug testing, accommodating the needs of individuals and companies alike.
In Lime Ridge, PA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure respects privacy and ensures ease of use. This approach addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality, making the testing process smooth and stress-free for all participants, while guaranteeing the secure management of personal data.
Focusing on affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Lime Ridge, PA, Accredited Drug Testing offers value and peace of mind to companies of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effectiveness, while the quick delivery of results minimizes wait times, providing prompt and efficient service that supports organizational needs without compromising quality.
Delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results in Lime Ridge, PA, hair follicle drug tests are at the forefront for detecting substance use with high precision. Unlike other methods, hair testing provides quick data without compromising reliability. Its high accuracy ensures that substance use is identified correctly, contributing to effective decision-making processes for employers and other stakeholders.
Employers in Lime Ridge, PA, prioritize compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing within their drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps in achieving compliance, mitigating legal risks, and promoting a safer work environment. By reducing the likelihood of substance abuse, hair testing plays a vital role in maintaining a productive and secure workplace for all employees.
