Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug screening in Hickory, KY. Whether it's for a drug or alcohol check, our expertise lies in hair analysis, available at our countless testing facilities across the nation. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of scalp or body hair are needed for the test. This method can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, and offers other tailored testing choices.
Recently, hair follicle drug screenings have increasingly superseded traditional methods. Employers, judicial systems, and substance abuse specialists now favor hair tests over standard urine assessments. Perfect for zero-tolerance policies or probation scenarios, the key advantage is their extended detection capabilities—up to 90 days—coupled with observed sampling, making them nearly cheat-proof. Nonetheless, urine tests remain optimal for detecting substances consumed within the last five days.
* 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 analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a record over time by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol presence for a period nearing three months. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A segment of about 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for screening and affirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing steps for a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial processing of a sample within a lab's system. This stage verifies if the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any necessary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid inspection for substance abuse. Although it's a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug usage in many samples, a positive result requires verification for court acceptance. Samples yielding a preliminary positive in Screening demand further confirmation.
A positive indication in Screening prompts additional hair extraction from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, the drug content is removed from hair at a concentration lower than other methods like urine or saliva, thereby making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumed positive results are cleansed as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized in compliance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hickory, KY
When comparing detection methods, hair tests stand out by offering unmatched accuracy and dependability. Unlike urine analysis, hair testing provides a broader detection window, catching drug usage patterns missed by urine tests. This major advantage helps employers maintain higher standards in workplace safety by effectively documenting long-term substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Hickory, KY
Hair testing offers an expansive detection period—up to 90 days—enabling a far-reaching insight into drug use. Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of potential employees' histories, making well-informed hiring decisions. This extended window surpasses the limited range of traditional urine tests, offering a more thorough view of substance use history and behavioral patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hickory, KY
Hair follicle tests are renowned for being difficult to tamper with, ensuring integrity and reliability in results. Designed to combat adulteration, these tests render any attempts to alter the outcome nearly impossible. This ensures that employers and authorities can trust the results, making hair testing a preferred choice where confidence in results is paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hickory, KY
With a multitude of well-placed testing centers, our services promise a convenient and hassle-free testing experience. In Hickory and beyond, our expansive network facilitates quick access to hair follicle testing. This geographical reach ensures clients in need of immediate or routine testing can find services available swiftly and conveniently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hickory, KY
Ordering and obtaining testing is straightforward and confidential, respecting client privacy. The simplicity of the process, from scheduling a test to obtaining results, enhances the user experience. These considerations ensure peace of mind for those involved, guaranteeing that privacy concerns are well-addressed throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hickory, KY
Our competitive pricing structure, partnered with rapid turnaround times, makes our hair follicle testing an economically sound choice. Perfect for businesses of any size, our services offer exceptional value—allowing companies to implement necessary safety measures without straining their budgets, all while receiving results swiftly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hickory, KY
The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle tests make them an invaluable tool in substance detection. These tests are highly accurate, screening for numerous substances with ease. Thanks to their sophisticated methodology, they rapidly identify usage patterns, giving employers or external authorities prompt feedback and aiding in faster decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hickory, KY
Adopting hair follicle testing in the workplace ensures alignment with drug-free policies, mitigating legal exposure. This tool helps maintain a secure working environment by clearly identifying long-term drug usage that might compromise safety. Employers benefit from peace of mind, knowing they are upholding safety standards effectively through reliable testing methods.