Accredited Drug Testing conducts comprehensive hair follicle drug assessments in Athens, Kentucky. If you require a hair-based drug or alcohol examination, we specialize in hair testing. Our centers situated across all cities nationwide can administer such tests. Typically, we need 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the scalp—or body in some cases. Hair analysis may be done for drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other tailored hair tests.
The hair follicle drug test has become increasingly prevalent as a method for drug testing in recent years. Employers, legal entities, and Substance Abuse experts now often prefer it over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle evaluations are chosen by employers with zero-tolerance drug policies, courts, and those monitoring probationers. The key advantage is the extended detection period, which spans up to 90 days and involves a monitored collection, making it nearly foolproof. However, urine tests still offer superior accuracy for drug usage detection within a five-day timeframe.
* 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 widely regarded as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Hair collected near the scalp can provide a detection timeframe of up to 90 days for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to mail.
A sample of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 strands of hair (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or drug panels exceeding 10, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing to integrate it into the lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screen requires confirmation to be legally defensible. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Athens, KY, offers numerous advantages over traditional urine testing. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability outmatch the limitations of urine tests, ensuring employers get the most comprehensive results.
While urine tests provide short-term answers, hair tests deliver broader insights by tracking drug usage up to 90 days, elevating detection integrity to a new level.
One of the most significant benefits of hair follicle testing in Athens, KY is the extended detection window it offers. This method can trace drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers with an extensive view of a person's substance history.
The longer detection period allows more meaningful and comprehensive historical data compared to short-term analyses, thereby benefiting employer decision-making processes.
In Athens, KY, hair follicle drug tests present a tamper-resistant testing method. They significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, offering secure and undeniable results.
The integrity of hair follicle samples is nearly impossible to compromise, ensuring the authenticity of the outcome and safeguarding against misleading data.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including local centers in Athens, KY. This ensures that testing services are quick, accessible, and hassle-free for all clients.
The vast network guarantees that no matter your location, reliable drug testing services are within reach, reaffirming our commitment to client convenience.
Our process in Athens, KY, is both simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are designed to be straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
The seamless procedure guarantees client confidentiality every step of the way, allowing users to trust that their personal data is securely handled.
In Athens, KY, we offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for companies of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions ensure that businesses do not have to choose between quality and budget.
With quick result delivery, companies can make timely decisions, maintaining operational efficiency and enhancing overall productivity.
In Athens, KY, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unparalleled, ensuring both accuracy and speed that meets the demands of today's regulatory needs and employer requirements.
The swiftness of hair follicle testing enables immediate insight into potential substance use, providing businesses with dependable results they trust.
Employers in Athens, KY, gain peace of mind and compliance by using hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and fostering a safer working environment.
Ensuring adherence to these policies not only protects businesses but also enhances the overall workplace culture, promoting a healthier team dynamic.