In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle analysis. If you're in need of a drug or alcohol assessment, we specialize in hair tests and have facilities nationwide capable of conducting them. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp or body can be used. Our hair tests can identify the presence of drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored options.
Recently, the preference for hair follicle drug testing over traditional methods has grown. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse experts often favor hair analysis over urine testing. This approach is common among employers upholding no-drug policies, courts, and probation services. Notably, hair tests offer a detection window of up to 90 days, are collected under supervision, and are challenging to manipulate. For recent drug use, within a 5-day window, urine tests remain 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 testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying substance use. Hair gives a prolonged overview of drug and alcohol intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Collecting hair near the scalp can deliver up to a 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the prime amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If no scalp hair is accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Here, head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test encompasses four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. As a cost-efficient measure to rule out drug use for most samples, any positive screen must undergo confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
In instances where a Screening stage result is presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to methodologies like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often described as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Testing Outranks Urine Testing in Pittsburgh, PA involves a comparison of their effectiveness. Hair tests excel by offering an extended detection period and are resistant to common manipulation tactics seen in urine tests, ensuring an honest assessment.
Employers and authorities prefer hair testing due to its superior detection across longer timeframes. While urine tests can catch recent usage, hair analysis unveils a more comprehensive usage history, enhancing decision accuracy.
Expanded Detection Duration in Pittsburgh, PA is a key benefit of hair follicle testing. Spanning up to 90 days, this extended window provides a detailed substance use history, unlike the brief interval urine tests offer.
Employers gain peace of mind with this approach, as it paints a broader picture of an individual's substance history. This method ensures that decisions are made based on a wider array of data, enhancing the overall drug-testing strategy.
Reliable Tamper-Resistant Testing in Pittsburgh, PA is guaranteed with hair follicle methods. These tests minimize the possibility of altering or adulterating samples, delivering predictable and trustable outcomes.
With hair testing, individuals and employers can trust the authenticity of the results. This method stands as a solid choice when maintaining the integrity of the drug testing process is paramount.
Accessible Testing Facilities in Pittsburgh, PA highlight the convenience of our nationwide network. Local centers simplify access to testing, ensuring a straightforward, friction-free process for all involved.
By offering numerous testing sites, we ensure swift and effortless service, catering to both local Pittsburgh residents and broader communities nationwide.
Efficient and Private Processes in Pittsburgh, PA underscore the ease and confidentiality of our services. From ordering to obtaining results, our streamlined approach respects client privacy and ensures simplicity.
Our commitment to a discreet procedure means that clients engage with a process that's both seamless and secure, valued by businesses and individuals alike.
Economical Pricing and Rapid Service in Pittsburgh, PA illustrate our focus on value. Competitive rates coupled with quick turnaround times ensure that organizations receive excellence without compromise.
We're committed to offering cost-effective solutions that cater to businesses of all scales, ensuring financial prudence alongside timely access to results.
Fast and Precise Detection in Pittsburgh, PA is assured with hair follicle drug tests. These tests offer unmatched accuracy in identifying substance presence, outshining traditional methods. Their quick processing ensures rapid results, making them the preferred choice for both speed and reliability.
By opting for hair tests, individuals and organizations benefit from their dependable and thorough analysis. These tests swiftly pinpoint substances, providing the insight needed for informed decision-making.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety with Hair Testing in Pittsburgh, PA provides employers peace of mind. Adhering to hair follicle testing aids in meeting workplace drug-free policies, reducing possible legal issues, and bolstering safety.
This method ensures that employers are well-aligned with industry standards, fostering a safer, more secure environment for employees and staff alike.
