Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening services in Columbus, Kentucky. For those seeking alcohol or hair drug tests, our company specializes in these services, maintaining testing facilities across all major cities nationwide capable of performing hair analysis. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body are required for testing. These analyses can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or be tailored for specific hair testing needs.
Lately, hair follicle drug tests have become a more common method for detecting drug use. They're now required by many employers, courts, and substance abuse specialists, replacing the traditional urine tests. Hair tests, favored by employers with strict anti-drug policies, legal systems, and probation programs, are valued for their longer detection window, which spans up to 90 days. The collection process is observed, minimizing tampering risks. However, for recent drug use within five days, urine testing remains the more accurate option.
* 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 examination is recognized as a crucial method for the identification of drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When acquired near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, moderately challenging to falsify, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. When discussing head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This phase involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening incorporates an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby establishing hair drug screening as the most intricate methodology to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS verify any positive screening outcomes in Confirmation. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing preceding confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as “hair follicle tests,” the examination primarily assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Testing vs. Urine Testing in Columbus, KY: The superiority of hair follicle tests over traditional urine analysis is evident in their unparalleled accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are more susceptible to manipulation, hair testing provides a broader detection scope. In detection accuracy, hair tests provide a significant advantage, especially for identifying substance use over an extended period.
In terms of reliability, hair follicle tests are nearly impossible to cheat, unlike urine tests which can be adulterated. This ensures a higher level of trustworthiness in the results, making it an ideal choice for employers and organizations seeking a stringent testing method. Additionally, because hair samples reflect a longer history, they offer a more comprehensive view of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Columbus, KY: Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over a period extending up to 90 days. This feature gives employers a detailed overview of an individual's drug history. In contrast to other methods, which have shorter detection times, hair testing offers more substantial insight into an individual's substance-use patterns.
This comprehensive detection window allows employers to understand better the long-term behavior of their candidates or employees. It provides a broader context, which is especially important when making decisions regarding employment and compliance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Columbus, KY: Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution against sample tampering. By being less vulnerable to adulteration, they provide results that are reliable and unquestionable. The integrity of these tests ensures that the samples submitted accurately represent the individual's recent substance usage history.
Unlike urine tests, which can be easily manipulated, hair testing provides a safeguard against common tampering techniques. This enhances the credibility of the results, making it the preferred choice for institutions where integrity is paramount.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Columbus, KY: With our extensive network of testing centers, obtaining hair follicle tests is straightforward and without hassle. Whether you're in Columbus or another city, our facilities provide quick and easy access. This nationwide reach underscores the convenience and effectiveness of our services.
Offering local centers ensures that testing is accessible, minimizing wait times and simplifying the process for both individuals and employers. The ease of reaching a nearby facility enhances the overall user experience, making hair testing a viable choice for all.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Columbus, KY: Our process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to be straightforward and private. Ensuring confidentiality is paramount, addressing any concerns about privacy. From start to finish, the procedure is streamlined, offering peace of mind and ease for all participants.
By simplifying each step, from initial contact to receipt of the results, we guarantee a user-friendly experience. This approach reduces the stress often associated with testing, ensuring that clients are comfortable and reassured throughout the process.
Cost-Effective Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Columbus, KY: Our competitive pricing structure ensures affordability without sacrificing quality. Coupled with fast turnaround times, we offer businesses excellent value. Our services cater to companies of all sizes, fostering trust and peace of mind.
Offering cost-effective solutions allows organizations to engage in drug testing without budgeting concerns. The rapid delivery of accurate results further enhances the pillar of trust we build with our clientele, ensuring sustained satisfaction and compliance.
Fast and Reliable Results in Columbus, KY: Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. Known for their high accuracy, these tests effectively detect substance use. The process of obtaining results is swift, providing quick and dependable feedback. This immediacy is crucial for employers and individuals alike, who require prompt insights into potential drug use.
Furthermore, the efficiency of hair testing in yielding fast results enhances the overall testing process, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions without delay. The rapid availability of dependable outcomes establishes hair testing as a primary option in drug detection methodologies.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Columbus, KY: Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies while minimizing legal exposure. This reliable method increases workplace safety and provides assurance. Employees, knowing that integrity is upheld, can work confidently in a compliant environment.
Additionally, the knowledge that a comprehensive and rigorous testing system is in place enhances overall workplace morale and trust. Hair testing ensures that any substance use is detected reliably, maintaining the integrity and safety of the organizational environment.
