Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair's strands. When taken from close to the scalp, it delivers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (face, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial reception of a sample into a lab's database. This process includes verifying the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data input not already provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a quick preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly way to dismiss drug usage across most samples, a screen showing positive results must be validated to be viable in legal proceedings. Samples presumed positive during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample register as presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the given sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than from other methods (like urine or oral fluids), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Any positive result from Screening is verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all samples presumed positive undergo washing as required. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the testing analyzes the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Albion, NY
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of detection accuracy. This method can trace substance use for a considerable period, highlighting moments that urine tests might miss. Employers embracing hair testing enjoy superior reliability, reducing the risk of false negatives prevalent in urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Albion, NY
One of the key features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This provides employers in Albion, NY, with a comprehensive overview of a candidate's substance use history, offering better insights for informed decision-making about potential hires.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Albion, NY
The robustness of hair follicle tests lies in their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike urine samples, hair follicle tests substantially lower the risk of adulteration. In Albion, NY, this method guarantees reliable results that stakeholders can trust without question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Albion, NY
Our wide-reaching network of testing centers ensures that Albion, NY, and beyond have quick access to our services. Designed for ease and expedience, our facilities help individuals and companies undergo testing without unnecessary hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Albion, NY
Our testing procedure is straightforward and private, ensuring that tests in Albion, NY, are completed smoothly and discreetly. This process respects privacy while efficiently managing the ordering, testing, and results phases, meeting confidentiality concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Albion, NY
The cost-effectiveness of our services in Albion, NY, combined with rapid turnaround times, makes them a top choice for businesses of all sizes. We provide excellent value, enabling firms to conduct necessary testing without excessive expenditure, thus ensuring peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Albion, NY
Hair follicle drug tests in Albion, NY, are renowned for their quick and precise outputs. With cutting-edge technology, these tests efficiently detect traces of substance use, offering high reliability and speed in results. Individuals and employers alike benefit from the critical insights provided by such tests.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Albion, NY
Employers gain assurance through hair follicle testing techniques that align with drug-free workplace policies. This method promotes safety and mitigates legal concerns, giving companies peace of mind and contributing to a secure work environment in Albion, NY.
