Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle substance screenings in Queens Gate, Pennsylvania. For individuals needing a hair or alcohol test, our specialization in hair testing is supported by a wide network of testing sites across various cities nationally. Typically, a hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches on the head or body is required. These tests can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other specialized testing options.
Recently, the preference for carrying out drug tests has leaned more towards the hair follicle method. More employers, legal entities, and substance abuse experts are choosing hair tests over traditional urine tests. Such tests are favored by employers with strict drug-free policies, legal systems, and those on probation. The main advantage of hair testing is a longer detection timeframe of up to 90 days and difficult to tamper with, though urine tests are more precise for recent drug use within 5 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 is now recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair can offer a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage. When collected close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug presence for approximately three months. The method is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. We advocate weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair. All other hair, including facial and axillary hair, is classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While this method offers a cost-efficient approach to dismissing drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening will necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenging nature of hair drug screening compared to other methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. Throughout the entire laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, all procedures undergo rigorous evaluations following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Queens Gate, PA
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine testing with superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which cover a few days. This method's reliability outshines traditional urine tests, offering enhanced assurance for organizations committed to maintaining safe, drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Queens Gate, PA
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to trace drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a thorough overview of a person's substance use history, assisting in making informed hiring or continued employment decisions. Hair testing provides a distinct advantage with its comprehensive detection capability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Queens Gate, PA
Hair follicle drug tests greatly minimize the risk of sample tampering. Unlike alternative methods, the process of obtaining hair samples mitigates the possibility of adulteration. This high level of reliability ensures that results are trustworthy and defensible, providing a solid basis for making critical employment or legal decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Queens Gate, PA
With testing centers nationwide, including those in Queens Gate, PA, accessing drug testing services is seamless and convenient. The widespread availability of testing sites allows individuals and companies to engage in the process effortlessly, ensuring that their requirements are met without unnecessary hassle or inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Queens Gate, PA
The process for hair follicle testing in Queens Gate is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result reception, the steps are designed to minimize complexity while ensuring privacy. This clarity and discretion make it an appealing choice for individuals concerned about confidentiality during the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Queens Gate, PA
Competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing a valuable option in Queens Gate. The expedited results, coupled with cost-effective services, offer companies of all scales the benefits of reliable testing without unnecessary expenses, ensuring peace of mind and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Queens Gate, PA
In Queens Gate, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug testing stand out. This method delivers rapid outcomes, ensuring timely resolution for employers and individuals alike. With high accuracy levels, hair follicle tests effectively identify substance use, providing reliable results that uphold trust in the testing process.
The quick processing times of hair follicle tests highlight their efficiency. In comparison with traditional methods, they offer a streamlined approach that minimizes wait times for results. This efficiency is crucial for employers making informed staffing decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Queens Gate, PA
Employers who adopt hair follicle testing can significantly enhance compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal liabilities but also boosts overall workplace safety. Ensuring adherence to these standards provides peace of mind by upholding the integrity and safety of the work environment.