Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Nortonville, KY

What it is, How it works

Drug and alcohol detection has seen a significant advantage with hair testing. By capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers, hair offers a prolonged history of usage. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to roughly a 3-month span. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transportable.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's girth) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the dated sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" describes other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process to analyze a drug test result comprises four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, a sample undergoes initial processing within a lab’s framework. This procedure entails ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry if not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial speedy assessment for substance abuse. While Screening efficiently discerns drug presence in most samples, confirmation is crucial for court-admissible results. Positive indications during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.

Should Screening show presumptive positive results, further hair from the original specimen is utilized during Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at a significantly decreased concentration relative to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.

Any positive screening outcomes are confirmed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The whole laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests trace drug usage up to 90 days, unlike the shorter detection periods of urine tests.
• Difficult to manipulate: Hair drug tests are notably hard to manipulate, enhancing accuracy.
• Provides usage history: They reveal a timeline of drug use, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Lack of recent use detection: It takes about 5-7 days before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Higher cost: Hair testing typically costs more than other drug testing techniques.
• Variable results: Differences such as hair color and personal growth rates can influence metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed “hair follicle tests,” the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nortonville, KY
Hair analysis offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. A primary benefit is its superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader history of substance use. This reliability provides an excellent tool for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free environment.

• Longer detection period, up to 90 days.
• Resistant to tampering.

In contrast, urine tests only offer a snapshot of recent drug use, often missed by short detection windows.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Nortonville, KY
Hair follicle testing provides an unparalleled extended detection period of up to 90 days. This offers employers a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance use, identifying patterns that other tests may miss.

Such extended insight is invaluable for creating an in-depth assessment, allowing employers to make informed decisions based on a longer history of substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nortonville, KY
One of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing the potential for sample adulteration, these tests provide results that can be deemed trustworthy and unquestionable.

Employers can rest assured knowing the integrity of the test remains intact, thus offering greater security against fraudulent activities.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nortonville, KY
Enjoy the convenience of our extensive network of testing centers, ensuring that access to services is quick and hassle-free. With locations nationwide, along with local options in Nortonville, clients can easily navigate through the testing process.

Our services aim to remove barriers and facilitate smooth access, emphasizing convenience and accessibility for all

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Nortonville, KY
The process for hair follicle testing at Accredited Drug Testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to protect your privacy.

Our streamlined approach ensures ease of use and respects the sensitive nature of drug testing, putting individuals at ease with how their personal information is handled.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nortonville, KY
We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with rapid turnaround times. Our affordable service ensures companies of all sizes can access reliable testing without breaking the bank.

Our swift process provides valuable peace of mind, making us the preferred choice for businesses searching for economical drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nortonville, KY
Experience the precision of hair follicle drug tests which are known for being fast, accurate, and reliable in detecting substance use. Their ability to provide high-accuracy results ensures employers and individuals can trust the findings when assessing drug use behaviors.

Hair tests stand out with their quick processing times, offering reassurance for those in need of swift results. Their efficiency helps speed up decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nortonville, KY
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks. Employers benefit from a safe work environment, bolstered by compliance with strict guidelines.

Ultimately, this method offers peace of mind, assuring that the risk of substance abuse is adequately managed and mitigated within the workplace.

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