Offering thorough hair follicle drug assessments in Somerset, Pennsylvania, Accredited Drug Testing excels in these specialist evaluations. Whether you require a hair drug or alcohol assessment, our expertise ensures accurate testing, with locations across the nation ready to facilitate. Hair samples of length 1.5 to 2 inches are needed from the crown or body to screen drugs, alcohol/ETG, or tailor-made options.
Recently, hair follicle drug assessments have gained traction in drug testing protocols. A favorite among employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts, it often replaces the standard urine test. Hair follicle assessments are trusted by establishments enforcing rigorous drug-free policies, legal entities, and probationary monitors. Their key advantage is prolonged drug detection, covering up to 90 days, ensuring an observed collection that's tough to compromise. However, for recent drug use within five days, urine tests retain 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.
The scrutiny of drug and alcohol use through hair analysis has become a significant method. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For comprehensive tests like EtG or those exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent amount of body hair may be retrieved. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory procedure incorporates four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the entry of the sample into the laboratory system, ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any necessary data entries not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial drug abuse check. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to hold in a legal setting. Presumptively positive samples from Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine, saliva), highlighting why hair drug screening is particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes a washing process before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently misidentified as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Somerset, PA revolves around multiple advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. It allows for a longer detection period and is less prone to tampering, providing robust and reliable results. Hair tests cover a 90-day window, outmatching the typical detection span of urine tests, ensuring comprehensive substance use monitoring.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Somerset, PA is its extended detection window. This testing method can reveal drug use for up to 90 days, offering a detailed and comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history. This extended window is crucial for employers seeking a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee’s past drug use, enhancing decision-making.
Hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant solution in Somerset, PA, significantly minimizing the threat of sample adulteration. The nature of hair testing makes it difficult to alter or substitute samples, ensuring that results are both reliable and valid. This tamper-resistant quality instills confidence in the outcomes, assuring stakeholders of the integrity of the testing process.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Somerset, PA, access to hair follicle drug testing is straightforward. Our widespread network of centers allows for quick and hassle-free testing services, ensuring you can obtain the necessary assessments with minimal effort. The ease of access in Somerset, PA, and beyond underscores our commitment to providing seamless testing solutions.
In Somerset, PA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving results are streamlined to ensure ease of use while respecting your privacy. This straightforward process addresses privacy concerns, making it a secure option for those prioritizing confidentiality in drug testing.
Somerset, PA businesses benefit from our affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, offering excellent value for drug testing services. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes can access high-quality testing without overspending. Quick results combined with cost-effective solutions provide peace of mind and financial savings for employers.
In Somerset, PA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy. These tests efficiently detect substance use, offering fast and reliable results. The precision of hair follicle testing ensures a high level of confidence in the outcomes, making it a preferred choice for those who prioritize quick and dependable assessments. With hair testing, you're guaranteed a high degree of accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use.
Employers in Somerset, PA gain peace of mind and ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. By adopting reliable hair testing, employers can demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a drug-free environment, fostering a safer and more productive workplace.