Accredited Drug Testing offers full-service hair follicle drug testing in State College, Pennsylvania. For those requiring a hair drug or alcohol test, we focus on hair testing with centers available in all major cities nationwide. A minimum of 1.5 to 2 inches of crown or body hair is typically required. Hair tests can be customized for drugs, alcohol/ETG, among other options.
Recently, hair follicle drug tests have increased in popularity. Employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts now often prefer this method over standard urine tests. Companies with zero-tolerance policies, court systems, and probation requirements favor hair testing. The key advantage is its extended detection window for drug use—up to 90 days—with an observed, cheat-resistant collection process. Urine tests remain more accurate for recent drug use within a 5-day window.
* 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 considered a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and substances by incorporating biomarkers in its growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair delivers about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and substances. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp produces 100mg, the perfect sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels beyond 10 testing zones, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry beyond the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening efficiently excludes drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), enhancing the challenge of hair drug testing methodology.
Any positive result in Screening undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed before necessary confirmations. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing In State College, PA, hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy over traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window, hair tests capture substance use history over a three-month period. This method provides reliable results, is resistant to manipulation, and offers a trustworthy assessment.
Extended Detection Window Hair follicle testing in State College, PA, offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This makes it the preferred choice for employers seeking a comprehensive understanding of an employee or applicant’s substance use history. It effectively reveals long-term usage patterns, optimizing decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method In State College, PA, hair follicle tests stand out due to their resistance to tampering. The method involves a non-intrusive collection process, which minimizes the chance of sample adulteration. By offering unquestionable results, it becomes a reliable choice for maintaining workplace integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations Our testing centers spread across State College, PA, and nationwide, provide accessible and hassle-free testing services. With convenient locations, Accredited Drug Testing ensures that individuals and organizations can quickly find and utilize our drug testing facilities efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process In State College, PA, our hair follicle testing is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, the process ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns about personal data. Individuals can trust that their information is protected throughout the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround Accredited Drug Testing in State College, PA, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring great value for companies of all sizes. Alongside affordability, we guarantee a quick turnaround time, reinforcing our commitment to delivering efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results Hair follicle drug tests in State College, PA, provide rapid and precise detection of substance use. These tests excel in identifying trace amounts of drugs, offering unmatched accuracy and reliability compared to other methods. The cutting-edge technology ensures quick turnaround, empowering decision-makers with timely information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Utilizing hair follicle testing in State College, PA, ensures employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind with scientifically robust methods that align with organizational goals and legal standards.