Offering top-notch hair follicle drug testing services, Accredited Drug Testing is your go-to in St. Helens, Kentucky. For anyone requiring a hair-based drug or alcohol assessment, our expertise in hair testing is backed by a network of centers nationwide, ready to assist. A hair length of 1.5 to 2 inches is needed, either from the crown of your head or body. Tests can identify drugs, alcohol/ETG, or offer other tailored assessments.
Hair follicle drug tests have become more prevalent recently as a trusted method for detecting substance use. Employers, legal entities, and substance abuse experts are opting for hair testing instead of traditional urine tests. Ideal for workplaces with zero-tolerance policies, courts, and probation scenarios, hair testing offers an extended detection timeframe of up to 90 days. The collection process is supervised, enhancing the test's integrity, although recent usage within the last five days is best assessed with a urine test.
* 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 recognized as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair naturally captures and retains biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, offering a substantial historical record. When obtained near the scalp, it can reveal usage of drugs and alcohol over roughly a three-month duration. Collecting hair is straightforward, poses some challenges for tampering, and is easy to send off for testing.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal amount for both initial testing and subsequent confirmation. For extended testing such as EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg from the sample is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair may be used as a substitute. The term 'head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair only, whereas 'body hair' refers to all other types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for handling drug test results encompasses four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial stage where a sample enters a lab’s system. This phase includes ensuring the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and conducting any supplemental data entry if missing from the electronic chain of custody records.
Screening is a preliminary and rapid check for substances. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, any positive findings during Screening must undergo Confirmation to hold validity in a legal context. Positive Screening results require follow-up confirmation.
For samples testing positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted and readied for further analysis. In Extraction, substances are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than those found in alternative types like urine or oral fluids, which contributes to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of positive results from Screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are thoroughly cleaned before the confirmation phase as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this test analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Helens, KY
Hair testing often outperforms urine tests by providing a broader detection window, identifying substances long after their use. This makes it ideal for zero-tolerance work environments.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle assessments are less susceptible to tampering, ensuring more trustworthy results. This reliability gives employers greater confidence in the outcomes of their drug testing procedures.
Extended Detection Window in St. Helens, KY
Hair follicle tests can detect drug use for up to 90 days, significantly exceeding the typical detection period of a urine test. This extended timeframe allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
Employers benefit from this prolonged detection period by viewing a comprehensive history of substance use. This helps in making informed decisions during hiring or evaluating current employees' compliance with drug-free policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Helens, KY
The robustness of hair follicle tests lies in their resistance to sample tampering, providing reliable and undisputable results. This method reduces the likelihood of test manipulation and ensures sample integrity.
Employers appreciate the tamper-resistant nature of hair testing as it protects the validity of the sample, offering peace of mind that results truly reflect the individual's substance use history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Helens, KY
With numerous centers across the country, our hair follicle testing services are easily accessible, providing ease and convenience to individuals and companies alike.
Being locally available in St. Helens means quick and efficient services for our clients, ensuring that testing is as easy and stress-free as possible.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Helens, KY
The straightforward, confidential process of our hair follicle testing ensures privacy and ease from start to finish, reassuring users concerned about discretion.
Every step of the procedure, from ordering to result retrieval, is handled with the utmost confidentiality, providing users a seamless experience without compromising their privacy.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Helens, KY
Competitive pricing and efficient service delivery make hair follicle testing a valuable choice for all businesses, regardless of size, ensuring budget-friendly solutions.
Our quick turnaround times reinforce the testing's cost-effectiveness, offering prompt results that align with company deadlines and operational needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Helens, KY
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid, precise results, making them a top choice for those needing timely and reliable substance use detection. Their accuracy surpasses traditional methods, offering peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Faster than typical tests, the hair follicle method ensures swift turnaround times without compromising on precision. This efficiency is crucial for timely decision-making in various professional settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Helens, KY
Implementing hair follicle testing aids employers in upholding strict drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal liabilities. This approach contributes to enhancing overall workplace safety.
The confidence gained from utilizing reliable testing methods fosters a more secure environment for all employees, underpinning corporate responsibility and reducing potential legal challenges.
