Accredited Drug Testing provides comprehensive hair follicle drug examinations in Petersburg, Kentucky. If a hair drug or alcohol test is necessary, Accredited Drug Testing excels in hair analyses and operates testing facilities in cities across the nation. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body is required. Various substances, including drugs and alcohol/ETG, can be detected through these tests.
In recent years, conducting drug tests via the hair follicle method has gained popularity. Numerous employers, judicial bodies, and substance abuse specialists now prefer hair drug tests over traditional urine tests. Employers with strict no-drug policies, courts, and individuals on probation utilize hair follicle tests. The main advantage is the extended detection window of up to 90 days, using an observed collection method that is virtually cheat-proof. However, for detecting recent drug use (within 5 days), urine tests remain the most precise.
* 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 increasingly viewed as a robust method for identifying the use of alcohol and drugs. Hair serves as a chronological archive, trapping the biomarkers of various substances within the fibers of a growing hair shaft. When cut close to the scalp, it can offer an approximately three-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. This method is straightforward to collect, comparatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 hair strands—roughly equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil—closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for thorough testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, it is suggested to have 150mg of the sample. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for precise weighing of the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in the lab handling of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory's database. This step includes ensuring sample integrity in terms of sealing and shipment, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data not automatically generated by an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening offers an expedited assessment for substance abuse. It is a cost-efficient approach for dismissing drug use in most cases; however, in order to be legally viable, a positive screening result must undergo confirmation. Specimens that show potential positive results in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
For samples that test potentially positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than what is typically found in other tests, such as those using urine or oral fluids, highlighting the complexity of conducting hair drug screenings.
Any positive Screening outcomes are subsequently validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with a presumptive positive result are washed as required. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, adheres to reviews under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation consistent with ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," these analyses target the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Petersburg, KY
When comparing hair to urine testing, it's clear that hair follicle tests are superior for various reasons. Their enhanced detection capabilities and consistency make them the preferred choice for many in Petersburg.
Extended Detection Window in Petersburg, KY
Hair follicle tests provide insights into drug use over a significantly longer period, offering employers a detailed perspective of an individual's substance history, which can extend up to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Petersburg, KY
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. This methodology greatly reduces the potential for sample adulteration, thereby ensuring reliable and unquestionable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Petersburg, KY
With a wide network of testing centers across the nation and locally in Petersburg, getting a hair follicle drug test is quick and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Petersburg, KY
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring user comfort throughout every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Petersburg, KY
Our competitive pricing structures and quick result processing times offer great value, ensuring that businesses, large and small, can access our services without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Petersburg, KY
Hair follicle tests offer an exceptional combination of speed and accuracy. These tests quickly and precisely detect a wide array of substances, providing Petersburg residents with dependable results they can trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Petersburg, KY
Adopting hair follicle testing supports employer compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and augments workplace safety, delivering peace of mind.