Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug testing services in Northwest Harborcreek, Pennsylvania. Whenever a hair drug or alcohol test is needed, Accredited Drug Testing is an expert in hair testing offering services through our nationwide network of test centers. A hair sample of 1.5 to 2 inches is typically necessary from the crown or body for testing. Options include testing for various drugs, alcohol/ETG, among others.
In recent times, the hair follicle drug test has increasingly become a preferred method for drug screening. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse professionals often opt for hair testing over traditional urine tests. This method is favored by entities with strict no-drug policies due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days, supervised sample collection, and the challenge of tampering with results. However, for recent drug use detection within 5 days, urine testing 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 analysis has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It presents an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A specimen measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, reference is made solely to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (inclusive of facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a specimen into a laboratory’s database. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is economical, a positive result must undergo confirmation to be valid in a court of law. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, more hair is separated from the original specimen for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted using either GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The frequently used term "hair follicle tests" is misleading, as the test analyzes the hair strand rather than the actual scalp-embedded hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Northwest Harborcreek, PA Hair testing holds significant advantages over traditional urine tests in detecting substance use. This method allows for a much longer detection span, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, which urine tests cannot match.
The reliability and accuracy of hair follicle testing make it an invaluable tool for employers, ensuring a trustworthy procedure that more traditional testing may lack.
Extended Detection Window in Northwest Harborcreek, PA One of the significant benefits of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window gives employers an extensive overview of an individual's substance use history.
This extended understanding enables employers to make informed decisions regarding prospective employees or current staff members, ensuring a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Northwest Harborcreek, PA Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. Unlike other methods, hair tests are nearly impervious to adulteration, providing results that employers can trust fully.
This integrity is crucial in maintaining the authenticity and reliability of the drug testing process, offering peace of mind and assurance of genuine results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Northwest Harborcreek, PA Our extensive network of testing centers across the country ensures accessibility and convenience for individuals seeking testing services.
The local Northwest Harborcreek locations provide hassle-free service, ensuring that testing is conducted efficiently and conveniently for all stakeholders involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Northwest Harborcreek, PA The hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects individual privacy. Ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure confidentiality and ease of access.
This simplified approach addresses privacy concerns while ensuring that the process remains efficient and effective.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Northwest Harborcreek, PA Our competitive pricing models ensure that hair follicle testing is accessible to companies of varied sizes. We are committed to providing both value and quick results.
This focus on swift turnaround times and cost-effectiveness guarantees that businesses can rely on quality testing without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Northwest Harborcreek, PA Hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and precise results. These tests are distinguished by their ability to accurately identify substance use, ensuring that what is reported is correct. This level of reliability is unmatched, offering confidence in test outcomes.
The precision in hair testing means that individuals seeking to ensure accurate detection of substances can rely on this method to provide clarity and assurance in the results obtained.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Northwest Harborcreek, PA Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby decreasing legal risks and contributing to a safer, more effective work environment.
By integrating hair testing into their safety protocols, employers not only secure compliance but also cultivate trust and maintain a healthy working atmosphere.