Hair Follicle Drug Testing Baldwin, NY
Accredited Drug Testing Inc provides Hair Follicle drug testing Baldwin, NY for individuals and employers needing a drug test utilizing the hair follicle analysis process. To schedule a hair follicle drug test in Baldwin, NY, Call (800) 221-4291. Most testing centers are within minutes of your home or office.
Hair follicle drug testing Baldwin, NY is available for 5, 10, and 12 panel drug screenings.
To schedule a Hair Follicle Drug Test at one of our testing centers in the Grady county area, Call (800) 221-4291, Same Day Service Available. Testing centers do not require an appointment, but you must call and register for the test.
Hair follicle drug testing is becoming a more popular method by employers and individuals in need of a drug test due to the detection time frame being longer than a standard urine test.
Local Hair follicle drug testing Baldwin, NY centers are available to assist our clients throughout the entire process and all of our hair follicle drug testing Baldwin, NY facilities have certified drug testing technicians available to conduct a hair follicle drug test collection.
Hair Follicle Drug Test
In recent years the method to conduct drug testing has more frequently included a hair follicle drug test. Many employers, courts and Substance Abuse Professional are requiring a hair follicle drug test instead of a standard urine test. Hair follicle drug tests are used by employers who have zero tolerance drug use policies, courts and individuals on probation. The primary benefit of a hair follicle drug test include a much longer detection period for drug use which typically is up to 90 days. However, when screening drug use within the last 5 days the urine test continues to be the most accurate test.
Hair Follicle Drug Test Process
The procedure used to perform a hair follicle test is simple, the drug testing specialist will cut approximately 120 strands of hair (not really a lot) utilize a chain of custody procedure and send the hair to a certified laboratory for analysis. Drug testing centers require at least 1.5 inches of hair to perform this test and the hair generally needs to come from the head, however if the donor does not have head hair certain testing centers can use hair from chest, leg or arm pit.
If a donor has no hair on their body, than a hair test cannot be performed!
Hair Follicle Drug Test Results
Once the hair follicles have been analyzed by a certified laboratory they will then be reviewed and then verified by a Medical Review Officer (licensed Physician) who will than release the results. Generally a negative hair follicle drug test result is available in 2-3 days. A non-negative hair follicle drug test is available in approximately 5 days.
Urine cut-off levels are expressed in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or as a weight of drug per unit volume of urine. Hair cut-off levels are expressed in picograms per milligram (pg/mg) or as a weight of drug per unit weight of hair
5 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
5 Panel w/ Expanded Opiates Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 5 panel w/ expanded Opiates hair drug test screens for the standard 5 drugs but will also screen for Opiate class drugs such as pain killers, which may indicate abuse of prescription drugs
- Amphetamine
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Marijuana
- Morphine
- Phencyclidine
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- 6 AM- Heroine
10 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 10 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
12 Panel Hair Follicle Drug Test
The 12 panel hair follicle drug test screens for the following
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Oxycodone
- Phencyclidine
- Propoxyphene
- Tramadol
To schedule a Hair follicle Drug Testing Baldwin, NY Call (800)221-4291.
Accredited Drug Testing Inc. is pleased to provide hair follicle drug testing, alcohol testing, occupational health and DNA testing services in Baldwin, NY.
2360 GRAND AVE 0.3 miles
BALDWIN, NY 11510
101 South Bergen Place, 2nd Floor 1.2 miles
Freeport, NY 11520
ON-SITE FOR POH ONLY 71 Douth Bayview Ave. 1.5 miles
Freeport, NY 11520
165 NORTH VILLAGE AVE 2.1 miles
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570
165 North Village Avenue, Suite 103 2.1 miles
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
2209 Merrick Rd, 2nd floor 3.5 miles
Merrick, NY 11566
2 MAIN ST 3.5 miles
HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550
27 ATTORNEY ST APT 2F 3.6 miles
HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550
250 FULTON AVE STE 407 3.7 miles
HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550
391B Fulton Avenue, 3.7 miles
Hempstead, NY 11550
111 HEMPSTEAD TPKE STE 121 3.8 miles
WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552
585 MERRICK RD 3.9 miles
LYNBROOK, NY 11563
51 CHARLES LINDBERGH BLVD 4.5 miles
UNIONDALE, NY 11553
520 Franklin Ave, Suite 104 4.8 miles
Garden City, NY 11530
2982 MERRICK RD 4.9 miles
BELLMORE, NY 11710
990 STEWART AVE LOWER LEVEL 30 5.1 miles
GARDEN CITY, NY 11530
235 LITCHFIELD AVE 2ND FL 5.1 miles
ELMONT, NY 11003
1620 FRONT ST 5.1 miles
EAST MEADOW, NY 11554
Building 125 150th St and 147th Ave 5.2 miles
JAMAICA, NY 11430
147th St and 150th Ave, Bldg 125 JFK International Airport 5.2 miles
JAMAICA, NY 11430
1919 Hempstead Tpke 5.2 miles
East Meadows, NY 11554
1400 WANTAGH AVE STE 102 5.7 miles
WANTAGH, NY 11793
300 OLD COUNTRY RD, STE 91 5.9 miles
MINEOLA, NY 11501
1610 OLD COUNTRY RD 6.4 miles
WESTBURY, NY 11590
3000 HEMPSTEAD TPKE 316 6.5 miles
LEVITTOWN, NY 11756
292 HERRICKS RD 6.6 miles
MINEOLA, NY 11501
156 First Street, Lower Level 6.6 miles
Mineola, NY 11501
820 JERICHO TPKE 6.6 miles
NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040
3601 HEMPSTEAD TPKE STE E 405 6.8 miles
LEVITTOWN, NY 11756
21714 MERRICK BLVD 6.8 miles
LAURELTON, NY 11413
222 ROCKAWAY TPKE 6.9 miles
CEDARHURST, NY 11516
222 Rockaway Turnpike, Suite 5 6.9 miles
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
3276 HEMPSTEAD TPKE 6.9 miles
LEVITTOWN, NY 11756
265 Jericho Turnpike, 6.9 miles
Floral Park, NY 11001
465 WILLIS AVE 7.2 miles
WILLISTON PARK, NY 11596
2001 MARCUS AVE STE N215 8.0 miles
NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11042
4900 Merrick Road, Southgate S, 2nd Floor 8.2 miles
Massapequa Park, NY 11762
4277 HEMPSTEAD TPKE STE 100 8.3 miles
BETHPAGE, NY 11714
4276 Hempstead Turnpike, 8.3 miles
Bethpage, NY 11714
2001 Marcus Ave, Suite 98W, Lobby Level 8.3 miles
Lake Success, NY 11042
55 E OLD COUNTRY RD 8.9 miles
HICKSVILLE, NY 11801
180 10TH ST 9.0 miles
BETHPAGE, NY 11714
4900 HEMPSTEAD TPKE 9.0 miles
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735
100 E OLD COUNTRY RD 9.0 miles
HICKSVILLE, NY 11801
One Expressway Plaza, Suite 116 9.1 miles
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
JFK Airport Bldg 75, STE 247/249 9.2 miles
Jamaica, NY 11430
JFK INTL AIRPORT STE 14, BLDG 14A 9.2 miles
JAMAICA, NY 11430
JFK International Airport Bldg 22 9.2 miles
JAMAICA, NY 11430
120 BETHPAGE RD STE 205 9.4 miles
HICKSVILLE, NY 11801
4 ROBIN CT 9.8 miles
FARMINGDALE, NY 11735
618 Broadway 10.1 miles
Amityville, NY 11701
365 BROADWAY 10.2 miles
AMITYVILLE, NY 11701
252-20 NORTHERN BLVD STE 210 10.3 miles
LITTLE NECK, NY 11362
1000 NORTHERN BLVD STE 135 10.3 miles
GREAT NECK, NY 11021
488 GREAT NECK RD STE 300 10.5 miles
GREAT NECK, NY 11021
1165 Northern Blvd, Suite 404 10.5 miles
Manhasset, NY 11030
51 Walnut Ave E 10.7 miles
Farmingdale, NY 11735
1117 OLD COUNTRY RD 11.1 miles
PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
4 MIRIAM LN 11.2 miles
PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
13355 LEFFERTS BLVD 11.2 miles
SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY 11420
100 MANETTO HILL RD, STE 309 11.2 miles
PLAINVIEW, NY 11803
146A Manetto Hill Rd., Suite 101 11.2 miles
Plainview, NY 11803
Onsite Only 11.3 miles
Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
8002 KEW GARDENS RD CONCOURSE LEVEL 12.0 miles
KEW GARDENS, NY 11415
656 N WELLWOOD AVE STE 208A 12.2 miles
LINDENHURST, NY 11757
111-16 JAMAICA AVE 12.2 miles
RICHMOND HILL, NY 11418
8212 151ST AVE 12.4 miles
HOWARD BEACH, NY 11414
184 S 1ST ST 12.5 miles
LINDENHURST, NY 11757
910 ROUTE 109 12.6 miles
LINDENHURST, NY 11757
4161 Kissena Blvd, Suite 25, Concourse level 12.8 miles
Flushing, NY 11355
87 COLD SPRING RD STE 1 13.1 miles
SYOSSET, NY 11791
7010 Austin Street, 2nd Floor Suite 201 13.2 miles
Forest Hills, NY 11375
8217 WOODHAVEN BLVD 13.3 miles
GLENDALE, NY 11385
69-12 AUSTIN ST 13.3 miles
FOREST HILLS, NY 11375
9777 QUEENS BLVD 9TH FL 13.7 miles
REGO PARK, NY 11374
Onsite Only 13.8 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11208
14204 BAYSIDE AVE LOWER LEVEL STE 2L 13.8 miles
FLUSHING, NY 11354
PO Box 1693 13.8 miles
West Babylon, NY 11704
136-20 38th Avenue, 4th Floor, Suite CFA 14.0 miles
Flushing, NY 11354
500 West Main Street, 14.3 miles
Babylon, NY 11702
9406 59TH AVE STE E-9 14.5 miles
ELMHURST, NY 11373
142 RALPH AVE 14.9 miles
BABYLON, NY 11702
69-16 METROPOLITAN AVE 15.0 miles
MIDDLE VILLAGE, NY 11379
315 WALT WHITMAN RD STE 307 15.1 miles
HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746
6655 FRESH POND RD 15.2 miles
RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385
2 CEDARTREE LN 15.4 miles
HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746
66 - 17 Fresh Pond Rd, 15.5 miles
Ridgewood, NY 11385
40 08 Forley St, 15.6 miles
Elmhurst, NY 11373
7301 GRAND AVE 15.6 miles
MASPETH, NY 11378
6122 Fresh Pond Road, 15.8 miles
Middle Village, NY 11379
6311 QUEENS BLVD 15.8 miles
WOODSIDE, NY 11377
41 VERONICA LN 15.8 miles
NORTH BABYLON, NY 11703
408 Rockaway Avenue, 15.8 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11212
33-54 83RD ST, STE G-02 15.9 miles
JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372
21 E 23RD ST 16.0 miles
HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746
1 MAIN TERMINAL STE 3 SUITE 109 16.0 miles
FLUSHING, NY 11371
1350 Deer Park Ave, 16.1 miles
North Babylon, NY 11703
4275 65TH PL 16.1 miles
WOODSIDE, NY 11377
2035 RALPH AVE A10 16.3 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11234
2035 Ralph Avenue, Suite B1 16.3 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11234
3665 E TREMONT AVE 16.3 miles
BRONX, NY 10465
962 MADISON ST APT 1 16.4 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11221
1940 DEER PARK AVE 16.4 miles
DEER PARK, NY 11729
75-35 31st Avenue, Suite 205 16.5 miles
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Onsite Only #1R 16.7 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11237
1445 NEW YORK AVE 16.8 miles
HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746
On Site Only 16.8 miles
West Islip, NY 11795
47-01 QUEENS BLVD #206-207 17.2 miles
SUNNYSIDE, NY 11104
1790 RANDALL AVE 17.3 miles
BRONX, NY 10473
144 LEWIS AVE 17.3 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11221
619 Throop Avenue 17.4 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11216
2422 KNAPP ST 17.5 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11235
25-15 STEINWAY ST 17.6 miles
ASTORIA, NY 11103
3250 Westchester Avenue, Suite 105 17.7 miles
Bronx, NY 10461
3250 WESTCHESTER AVE SUITE 120 17.7 miles
BRONX, NY 10461
3014 37th St, 17.8 miles
Astoria, NY 11103
68 Graham Ave 17.8 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11206
3500 NOSTRAND AVE 17.9 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11229
1476 WILLIAMSBRIDGE RD LOFT BLDG SIDE ENTRANCE 17.9 miles
BRONX, NY 10461
1248 Fulton Street 18.0 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11216
400 E 26TH ST 18.0 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11226
31-00 47TH AVENUE 18.1 miles
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101
On Site Only 18.2 miles
Babylon, NY 11702
27-47 Crescent Street, Lower Level, Suite 102-103 18.4 miles
Astoria, NY 11102
1120 MORRIS PARK AVE 18.4 miles
BRONX, NY 10461
68 NASSAU AVE 18.5 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11222
1733 Sheepshead Bay Road, Suite 39 18.6 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11235
1660 E 14th St, Ste LL2 18.7 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11229
1720 E 14TH ST UNIT M1 18.7 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11229
onsite for POH only 18.7 miles
Brightwaters, NY 11718
3311 SHORE PKWY APT 1A 18.7 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11235
147 Greenpoint Avenue, First Floor 18.9 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11222
175 E Main Street Suite 105, 18.9 miles
Huntington, NY 11743
465 Ocean Parkway, Suite L3 19.1 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11218
9 HOWELLS RD 19.3 miles
BAY SHORE, NY 11706
57 E MAIN ST 19.5 miles
BAY SHORE, NY 11706
747 MELROSE AVE OFC 19.7 miles
BRONX, NY 10451
264 1ST ST 19.7 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11215
6413 BAY PARKWAY 19.7 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11204
348 13th Street, Suite 102 19.7 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11215
418-420 5TH AVE 19.8 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11215
20 BEEKMAN PL APT 2B 19.8 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10022
456 5TH AVE 2ND FL 19.8 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11215
238 E 111TH ST APT 4C 19.8 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10029
1 METROTECH CTR 19.9 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11201
210 E 86th St, Ste 602 19.9 miles
New York, NY 10028
210 E 86TH ST STE 100 19.9 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10028
649 COMMACK RD 19.9 miles
COMMACK, NY 11725
656 E FORDHAM RD 20.0 miles
BRONX, NY 10458
4420 13TH AVE 20.0 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11219
919 2ND AVE 20.0 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10017
150 Lockwood Ave, Ste 38 20.1 miles
New Rochelle, NY 10801
110 LOCKWOOD AVE 20.1 miles
NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10801
100 LIVINGSTON ST 4TH FLOOR 20.1 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11201
265 CHERRY ST 146 20.2 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10002
50 COURT ST STE 1002 20.2 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11201
730 3RD AVE 20.2 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10017
65 E 76th St, 20.2 miles
New York, NY 10021
186 JORALEMON ST 5TH 20.2 miles
BROOKLYN, NY 11201
146 Pierrepont Street, 20.2 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11201
1272 51st Street, 20.2 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11219
41 BRENTWOOD RD 20.2 miles
BAY SHORE, NY 11706
115 E 57th Street, Ste 1530 20.2 miles
New York, NY 10022
380 2ND AVE 20.3 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10010
425 PARK AVE 20.3 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10022
2385 Arthur Avenue, Suites 201 & 202 20.3 miles
Bronx, NY 10458
137 East 36th Street, Suite 7 20.3 miles
New York, NY 10016
120 Atlantic Avenue, 20.4 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11201
247 Third Ave, Ste 303 20.4 miles
New York, NY 10010
18 E 48TH ST 2ND FL 20.5 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10017
55 E 34TH ST 20.5 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10016
8 Saxon Avenue, Suite D, 20.6 miles
Bay Shore, NY 11706
2488 GRAND CONCOURSE RM 210 20.7 miles
BRONX, NY 10458
41 Elizabeth St, Suite 702 20.7 miles
New York, NY 10013
22 W 23RD ST 2ND FL 20.8 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10010
6277 JERICHO TPKE 20.9 miles
COMMACK, NY 11725
139 Centre St, Suite 207, 20.9 miles
New York, NY 10013
229 W 36TH ST 10TH FL 21.0 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10018
224 W 35TH ST STE 607 21.0 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10001
330 WEST 58TH ST, STE 211 21.1 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10019
202 W 23RD ST 21.1 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10011
330 W 42ND ST 21.2 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10036
MIDTOWN STATION P. O. BOX 799 21.2 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10018
408 W 45TH ST 21.3 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10036
2171 JERICHO TPKE. SUITE 200 21.4 miles
COMMACK, NY 11725
2171 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 102 21.4 miles
Commack, NY 11725
105 Stevens Ave, Ste 205 21.4 miles
Mount Vernon, NY 10550
3421 BROADWAY 21.4 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10031
65 BROADWAY STE 903 21.4 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10006
109 AUDUBON AVE 21.4 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10032
65 BROADWAY SUITE 905 21.4 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10006
12 N 7TH AVE 21.4 miles
MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550
324 WEST 14TH ST 21.5 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10014
42 BROADWAY STE 1900 21.5 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10004
601 W 51ST ST 21.5 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10019
320 LAUREL RD 21.7 miles
NORTHPORT, NY 11768
7601 4th Avenue, 21.9 miles
Brooklyn, NY 11209
4876 BROADWAY 21.9 miles
NEW YORK, NY 10034
10A KEMP CT 22.3 miles
EAST ISLIP, NY 11730
3765 Riverdale Ave, STE 6 22.4 miles
Bronx, NY 10463
95 HUDSON ST 22.7 miles
HOBOKEN, NJ 7030
663 PALISADE AVE 22.8 miles
CLIFFSIDE PARK, NJ 7010
1 KINGS HWY 23.0 miles
HAUPPAUGE, NY 11788
500 MAMARONECK AVE STE 320 23.1 miles
HARRISON, NY 10528
490 Wheeler Rd., Suite 190 23.1 miles
Hauppauge, NY 11788
6701 BERGENLINE AVE 23.1 miles
WEST NEW YORK, NJ 7093
500 Mamaroneck Ave Suite 320 23.2 miles
Harrison, NY 10528
4914-4922 Kennedy Blvd., Suite 206 23.3 miles
West New York, NJ 7093
47 MOREWOOD DR 23.3 miles
SMITHTOWN, NY 11787
464 Hudson Terrace, 23.5 miles
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 7632
261 Monmouth Street 23.6 miles
Jersey City, NJ 7302
3196 KENNEDY BLVD 2ND FL 23.6 miles
UNION CITY, NJ 7087
522 CENTRAL AVE 23.7 miles
JERSEY CITY, NJ 7307
800 SYLVAN AVE 23.9 miles
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ 7632
574 SUMMIT AVE 4th Floor 24.2 miles
JERSEY CITY, NJ 7306
600 Pavonia Ave, 3rd floor 24.2 miles
Jersey City, NJ 7306
6 Rye Ridge Plaza, 24.3 miles
Rye Brook, NY 10573
854 W SIDE AVE 24.9 miles
JERSEY CITY, NJ 7306
25 Rockwood Pl, Ste 1 24.9 miles
Englewood, NJ 7631
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Handy Resources
Comprehensive Online Resources for Drug Testing
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Provides comprehensive information on drug testing and its role in substance use disorder treatment.
- FDA: Drug Testing
Explains the FDA's role and regulations concerning drug testing for consumers.
- PDR.net
Provides detailed drug information and safety updates through a mobile-friendly platform.
- BeSafeRx - FDA
Resource by the FDA to help consumers identify and choose safe online pharmacies.
- SAMHSA: Drug Testing Resources for the Workplace
Resources and guidelines for drug testing in the workplace.
- Drugs.com
Provides drug information, side effects, and interactions for consumers and professionals.
- Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST)
Online version of the DAST to help individuals assess whether they have a drug problem.
- Merck Manuals
Consumer-friendly medical resource providing comprehensive information on a wide array of health topics, including drug testing.
- SAMHSA Store
Provides access to resources and publications on substance use prevention and treatment.
- National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Information on state boards of pharmacy and regulations, including those related to drug testing.
- CDC: Workplace Health Promotion
CDC's resources on substance use and drug testing in the workplace.
- Mayo Clinic: Drug Testing
General information about the procedures and types of drug tests.
- MedlinePlus: Drug Testing
Offers information about various drug tests and their uses in medical diagnosis and treatment.
- University of Rochester Medical Center Health Encyclopedia
Provides a detailed entry on drug testing, including how tests are conducted and what they detect.
- World Health Organization (WHO)
International guidelines and information on public health, including substance abuse and drug testing.
- Healthline: Drug Testing
Consumer health site offering information on how drug tests work and what they look for.
- WebMD: Drug Testing
Provides a patient-oriented overview of drug testing and its purposes.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Provides a vast database of scientific studies, including research on drug testing and its effectiveness.
AI Overview
Hair Follicle Drug Testing: An Overview
Hair follicle drug testing is a method used to detect the use of illicit drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, which can detect recent drug use, hair follicle testing provides a longer window of detection, typically up to 90 days. This overview explores how hair follicle drug testing works, its applications, and its benefits.
How Hair Follicle Drug Testing Works
The process involves taking a small sample of hair, usually from the head but sometimes from the body if scalp hair is insufficient. The hair is tested to identify drugs and their metabolites, which are deposited in the hair from the bloodstream. This method is sensitive to a wide range of substances, including marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP).
Applications of Hair Follicle Drug Testing
- Employment Screening: Many employers use hair follicle testing as part of their pre-employment screening processes and in regular checks to ensure a drug-free workplace.
- Legal and Forensic Cases: This testing is used in legal settings to provide evidence in custody disputes, DUI cases, and other legal matters requiring proof of drug use.
- Rehabilitation Monitoring: Health care providers and rehab centers use hair tests to monitor individuals recovering from drug addiction.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Drug Testing
- Long Detection Period: Can detect drug use for up to 90 days, making it more effective for identifying long-term drug use than other testing methods.
- Tamper Resistance: The nature of hair sample collection makes it difficult to tamper with or substitute samples, providing more accurate results.
- Non-invasive: The process is simple and does not require the handling of bodily fluids, making it less invasive and safer to administer.
Considerations and Limitations
While hair follicle drug testing is highly effective, there are considerations to keep in mind:
- Growth Rate Variability: Hair growth rates can vary from person to person, potentially affecting the detection window.
- Potential for External Contamination: Drugs can sometimes be absorbed from the environment, leading to potential false positives, though washing the hair sample prior to testing can mitigate this risk.
- Cultural and Personal Concerns: The requirement of hair samples can raise concerns among those with hair loss or individuals whose cultural practices affect hair grooming or styling.
Hair follicle drug testing is a reliable and comprehensive method for detecting drug use over an extended period. It is widely used across various sectors for its accuracy and tamper-resistant methodology, making it a valuable tool in maintaining drug-free environments and supporting legal and medical interventions.