Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Albany, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture long-term use markers by embedding biomarkers in the strands’ fibers. When taken near the skin, a hair specimen can reveal drug and alcohol presence for up to roughly 90 days. It’s straightforward to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hairs (akin to a #2 pencil diameter) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg, the perfect quantity for initial and detailed analysis. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests beyond 10 components, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp strands are not accessible, a similar volume of other body strands is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp strands specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

Processing drug test outcomes in a laboratory involves four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial assimilation of a sample into the lab’s records. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input absent from an electronic custody chain process.

Screening includes a swift assessment for substances of misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive result needs validation for legal acceptance. Any samples that show a positive indication in Screening must undergo a tertiary confirmation.

If a sample shows a positive indication in Screening, additional hair is withdrawn from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. Here, drugs are isolated from the strands at considerably lower levels than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis the most intricate procedure to execute.

Any positive Screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criterion and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection scope: Hair analysis can detect substances for up to 90 days, unlike urine evaluations, which have a briefer detection span.
• Difficult to manipulate: It is exceedingly challenging to tamper with hair analysis, enhancing accuracy.
• Offers past usage patterns: It can demonstrate a consumption timeline over a duration, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent intake: It generally takes 5-7 days for substances to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair analyses typically incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual growth variations can impact drug metabolite levels in the strands.

Note: Although labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Albany, NY:
Hair tests provide superior accuracy over urine tests. Their extensive detection period covers up to 90 days, offering a more reliable insight into drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is less prone to tampering, making it a more trustworthy option.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Albany, NY:
The hair follicle test offers an unmatched detection period of up to 90 days. For employers in Albany, this extended timeframe provides a thorough historical perspective on substance use, crucial for making informed hiring and policy decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Albany, NY:
Hair follicle tests in Albany offer enhanced integrity by reducing the possibility of sample tampering. This method ensures the reliability of results, supporting the credibility required for legal and employment testing scenarios.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Albany, NY:
Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees accessible and timely testing in Albany and beyond, easing logistical challenges and ensuring fast service delivery.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Albany, NY:
Our process prioritizes confidentiality from ordering to results receiving. It’s designed to be user-friendly, maintaining privacy satisfaction for all clients involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Albany, NY:
With competitive pricing and expedited result processing, we deliver value without compromise. Our services support businesses of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly and timely outcomes.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Albany, NY:
Hair follicle testing in Albany, NY, stands out for its precision and speed. It swiftly identifies substance presence, thereby offering high accuracy rates. This rapid analysis is vital for businesses aiming to maintain compliance with workplace policies and for individuals seeking quick, trustworthy results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Albany, NY:
Hair testing affirms compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, diminishing legal exposure. Employers gain assurance and safeguard their teams, underpinning safety and trust within the organization.

Drug Testing Near Albany, NY

Rensselaer, NY

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Bethlehem, NY

Watervliet, NY

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East Greenbush, NY

Delmar, NY

Roessleville, NY

Loudonville, NY

Menands, NY

Hampton Manor, NY