Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and various substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected from the area nearest to the scalp, hair can reveal a period of up to three months for detecting alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, considered an optimal amount for screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair imply only scalp hair. Body hair pertains to other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four vital steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial intake of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This process ensures the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, provides a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen needs to be verified for legal evidence. Samples that preliminarily test positive in Screening necessitate subsequent validation.
If a sample tests preliminary positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as the most complex method to execute.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample is cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Alfred, NY, the compelling benefits of hair follicle testing over urine-based tests are undeniable. Hair tests showcase superior detection accuracy and reliability, making them ideal for comprehensive screenings. Their ability to uncover drug use over a longer timeframe gives them an edge, assuring stakeholders of precise results not achievable through conventional urine tests.
The hair follicle test's extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days, provides employers in Alfred, NY with a thorough overview of an individual’s drug history. This prolonged period allows for a more detailed understanding of an applicant or employee’s substance use, ensuring informed decisions when it comes to hiring or maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Alfred, NY significantly diminishes the chances of sample tampering, delivering reliable and undeniable results. This testing method is much less susceptible to adulteration, as samples are collected directly from the individual under observation, leaving little room for contamination or manipulation, unlike other testing methods.
Testing convenience is a prime advantage in Alfred, NY, with our nationwide centers offering swift and hassle-free access. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that wherever you are, testing services are just around the corner, making the entire screening process seamless and efficient for all involved.
The process of conducting hair follicle testing in Alfred, NY is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving the results, the steps involved are straightforward and prioritize the privacy of the individual. This ease of use eases concerns regarding confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times are hallmarks of our service in Alfred, NY. Businesses of every size benefit from our cost-effective pricing structures, ensuring excellent value without compromising on quality or speed of results. Our services provide reassurance to companies looking for reliable testing solutions that help protect their interests.
Precision and speed make hair follicle drug tests a preferred choice in Alfred, NY. These tests are acclaimed for their high accuracy in identifying drug usage, yielding results quickly and reliably. With a streamlined process that ensures rapid analysis, individuals and organizations can trust the efficient detection capabilities offered by hair testing.
Employers in Alfred, NY can enjoy peace of mind knowing that hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies while reducing legal liabilities. By adopting this testing method, companies ensure compliance, minimize potential legal challenges, and foster a safe working environment, contributing to a culture of accountability and productivity.
