Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug testing in Oakland, Pennsylvania. If you're seeking a hair drug or alcohol test, our expertise lies in hair testing, with facilities across cities nationwide prepared to conduct hair tests. Typically, at least 1.5 to 2 inches of hair is required, whether from the head or body. Hair tests can assess drugs, alcohol/ETG, and are customizable for other needs.
The method for drug testing has evolved in recent years to more frequently include hair follicle drug tests. This type of testing is now preferred by employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals over the traditional urine test. Hair follicle drug tests offer advantages for those with strict no-drug policies, legal cases, or individuals with probation requirements, due to a longer detection period of up to 90 days and a closely monitored collection process. However, urine tests remain the most accurate for detecting recent drug use within the last five days.
* 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 robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands, about the width of a #2 pencil, close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample size for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be legitimate in legal contexts. All samples that are potentially positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is potentially positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakland, PA.
Hair testing stands superior to traditional urine testing by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter timeframe, hair tests detect substance use over a longer period. This broader window often uncovers chronic use that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a clearer picture for employers and relevant authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Oakland, PA.
Hair follicle testing shines with its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period of up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. This prolonged detection capability allows for an accurate assessment, giving organizations confidence in the behavioral patterns of their applicants or existing workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakland, PA.
Air follicle tests drastically minimize the risks associated with sample tampering. The verification process ensures that results are credible and free from adulteration. This method secures trust by delivering results that are difficult to manipulate, bringing peace of mind to those relying on them for crucial decision-making.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakland, PA.
Our testing centers are strategically located nationwide, including locally in Oakland, PA. This ensures swift and seamless access to testing services, sparing companies the hassle of extensive travel or delays. Our facilities are designed for ease of access, enabling efficient testing processes without the inconvenience of long-distance arrangements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oakland, PA.
We prioritize simplicity and confidentiality in our testing process, from ordering to taking and receiving results. Our streamlined procedures are designed with privacy in mind, ensuring that individuals feel secure throughout their testing experience. The confidentiality of the process alleviates concerns, making it straightforward and stress-free for all users.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakland, PA.
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses regardless of size. Our cost-effective solutions ensure that companies receive high-quality service without financial strain, fostering confidence in timely and reliable screening outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakland, PA.
Hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled when it comes to precision and swiftness. They boast high accuracy levels in uncovering substance use history, making them the test of choice for many. The meticulous nature of hair testing ensures that the results are both quick and reliable, catering to the urgent needs of employers and legal bodies requiring swift confirmations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakland, PA.
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace promotes adherence to drug-free policies and significantly reduces legal liabilities. Employers can maintain a safer work environment while being assured of a legal safeguard against illicit substance use, fostering a culture of trust and responsibility within their organizations.
