Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Alden, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended term record of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month history of drug and alcohol presence. Collection of hair is straightforward, it is quite resistant to tampering, and is easily transportable.

Obtaining a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hairs (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for initial and confirmatory testing. For tests involving EtG, additional substances, and/or more than 10 panels, it is suggested to have 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. In cases where scalp hair is not an option, equivalent body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases in the laboratory analysis of drug test samples include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial entry into the lab system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipping were adequate, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry needed outside of electronic chain of custody methods.

Screening provides a preliminary assessment for the presence of drugs. While Screening economically rules out drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples that test preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.

For samples preliminarily positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original batch for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at concentrations lower than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a complex process.

Positive Screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire system from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests reveal drug use for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter window of urine tests.
• Hard to falsify: Hair drug tests are challenging to manipulate, enhancing accuracy.
• Tracks historical usage: Hair testing can demonstrate drug use patterns over time, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent use detection: Drugs generally take 5-7 days to appear in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug tests usually cost more than alternative testing styles.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often used is somewhat incorrect, as the evaluation targets the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Alden, NY In Alden, hair follicle drug tests offer a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests by ensuring better accuracy and reliability.

• These tests provide a longer detection window, allowing for the identification of substances used months prior, which urine tests cannot match.
• Hair tests also reduce the risk of tampering, offering a more foolproof method for detecting drug use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Alden, NY One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Alden is its extended detection window.

• Unlike other methods, hair tests can reveal drug use from up to 90 days ago, giving employers deeper insight into an applicant's or employee's substance history.
• This extended timeline offers a comprehensive view of substance use patterns, crucial for making informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alden, NY Hair follicle tests are a robust solution for preventing sample tampering, making them ideal for reliable, unquestionable results.

• These tests are collected under direct supervision, reducing the chance of adulteration, a common issue with other testing methods.
• The inherent characteristics of hair samples minimize opportunities for altering or substituting the specimen.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Alden, NY With our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Alden, New York, easy access to hair follicle drug tests is guaranteed.

• The widespread availability ensures that scheduling and undertaking tests are quick and straightforward, minimizing disruptions.
• The convenience of local centers simplifies the process, making it ideal for businesses and individuals alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Alden, NY The simplicity and confidentiality of the drug testing process in Alden ensure a seamless experience.

• Ordering and scheduling a test is straightforward, with privacy ensured at every step.
• The results are delivered through secure channels, guaranteeing confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alden, NY Our competitive pricing model ensures affordable access to hair follicle drug tests in Alden.

• Fast turnaround times for results help businesses make prompt decisions, further enhancing the value proposition.
• This efficiency and affordability make hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes, optimizing resource allocation.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Alden, NY Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and dependable results, making them an excellent choice for both employers and individuals. Their high precision in detecting substance use ensures that results are trustworthy, providing a clear indication of an individual's drug usage history, crucial for maintaining workplace integrity and safety.
These tests are capable of identifying various substances, highlighting their superiority over other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alden, NY Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers in Alden adhere to workplace drug-free policies effortlessly.

• Such tests mitigate legal risks and enhance safety in the work environment by offering a reliable method of detection.
• Compliance with workplace guidelines becomes seamless, providing a compliant and safe workspace.

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