Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Walton, KY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch sample containing about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug test result processing entails four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and properly shipped, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for abused drugs. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive finding in Screening must be verified to be legally valid. Any samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require secondary verification.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a much more reduced concentration than in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before Confirmation, all samples that are presumptively positive receive a wash as needed. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection period of urine tests.
• Challenging to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely difficult, thus ensuring more reliable results.
• Offers historic data: This method can display a drug use pattern over time, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable within hair.
• Price: Hair drug tests tend to incur higher costs than other testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Although often dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the test mainly analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing stands superior to traditional urine testing in Walton, KY. The detection accuracy of hair testing far exceeds urine tests due to its ability to reveal a longer drug use history. Hair tests are less invasive and more reliable, providing a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history over an extended period.

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests offer unbeatable reliability. While urine tests are prone to adultery, hair tests minimize these risks through their robust collection process, offering peace of mind in drug testing accuracy.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window makes hair follicle testing invaluable in Walton, KY. Unlike other methods, hair tests can reveal a substance use history extending up to 90 days. This extensive review period aids employers in truly understanding an applicant or employee's long-term substance habits.

Such comprehensive testing allows companies to uphold their drug-free policies more effectively. As the detection window spans three months, employers gain a full picture of an individual's substance use history, supporting their decision-making processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Walton, KY, hair follicle testing provides a highly tamper-resistant method for drug detection. Unlike other forms, the hair test significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration. Its robust nature ensures results are trustworthy and accurate, bolstering the reliability of drug testing outcomes.

The collection process adds an additional layer of security. By minimizing opportunities for manipulation, hair tests remain an unyielding solution, granting unquestionable accuracy in detecting substance use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our abundant and conveniently situated testing centers in Walton, KY, offer a streamlined process for engaging in hair follicle testing. Nationwide locations ensure accessibility, making the testing process efficient and hassle-free for all clients.

With multiple centers available, obtaining a hair test is as seamless as it is convenient. Local availability mitigates scheduling conflicts, ensuring timely compliance for businesses and individuals alike seeking accurate test outcomes.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Walton, KY, the process of conducting hair follicle testing is designed to be both simple and confidential. From order to result, the procedure is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Our testing maintains anonymity, ensuring participants' ease of mind during every stage.

The process is streamlined from start to finish. With a focus on confidentiality, test results are delivered directly, minimizing any data exposure and maximizing user privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle tests in Walton, KY, provide businesses of all sizes with excellent value. Swift turnaround times ensure prompt delivery of results, supporting timely decision-making and compliance with workplace policies. Affordable pricing schemes allow for cost-effective testing without compromising quality and reliability.

Businesses experience significant savings without sacrificing accuracy. The rapid processing times ensure efficiency, optimizing the value obtained from every test conducted.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Walton, KY, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with rapid and dependable outcomes. Offering unmatched precision, these tests swiftly detect illicit substance use, providing reliable results. Hair follicle tests are designed to not only identify drug use with high accuracy but also deliver results promptly, ensuring efficiency and reliability in drug testing processes.

These tests boast a high sensitivity to various substances, making them ideal for discerning recent and past drug use. With a quick processing time, employers and organizations can make informed decisions without delay.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Walton, KY, gain assurance from the compliance that hair follicle testing offers. By implementing these tests, they adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. Hair tests support a commitment to maintain a substance-free environment.

Peace of mind is achieved as hair testing aligns seamlessly with compliance standards. Employers benefit from the reduced liability risks, ensuring a safer, healthier workplace conducive to productivity and employee well-being.

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