Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Harrodsburg, KY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy record of substance use by holding biomarkers within the strands that grow. Sampling hair near the scalp offers approximately a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, comprising around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screenings and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or more than 10 panels, a collection of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If hair from the scalp cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Scalp hair specifically refers to hair on the head, while body hair covers all other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

There are four key stages in processing a drug test result in a laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system, ensuring proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data entry not covered by electronic chain of custody systems.

The Screening phase includes a preliminary rapid test for substances. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use for most samples, confirmation is necessary for court use if results are positive. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, an additional portion is taken for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug analysis the most challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The end-to-end processing from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter periods.
• Challenging to falsify: The integrity of hair tests makes them highly reliable.
• Offers historical insight: Provides data on drug use over time, unlike recent use-focused tests.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent consumption: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are usually pricier than other methods.
• Result variability: Hair color, growth rates, and individual differences affect metabolite concentration.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the evaluation targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle from beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Harrodsburg, KY

Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests provide superior accuracy and reliability by detecting drug use over an extended period. This method decreases the likelihood of false negatives, thus offering more dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Harrodsburg, KY

Hair follicle testing identifies drug usage within a 90-day timeframe, offering employers insight into a candidate's long-term substance habits, which aids in making informed hiring or policy implementation choices.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Harrodsburg, KY

The collection process for hair follicle testing greatly limits opportunities for altering samples, ensuring that the results are both reliable and beyond question, contributing to credible drug use evaluations.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Harrodsburg, KY

Offering broad testing centers across the United States, including Harrodsburg KY, Accredited Drug Testing facilitates easy access to required testing services, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process for all users.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Harrodsburg, KY

The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, from ordering and performing the test to receiving results, thereby addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of access.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Harrodsburg, KY

We provide competitive pricing and swift test results, offering excellent value and assurance for businesses of all sizes, ensuring an economical solution to maintaining a drug-free workplace.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Harrodsburg, KY

Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise results, ensuring high detection accuracy for various substances. This method guarantees quick turnaround times, enabling timely decision-making for employers maintaining safe workplaces.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Harrodsburg, KY

Employers adopting hair follicle testing can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reduce potential legal implications, and foster a safer work environment, thus preserving organizational standards.

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