Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide an approximate 3-month detection window for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" pertains to scalp hair exclusively, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four fundamental steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a laboratory system. It involves verifying that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial cursory check for substance abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result needs verification to be legally valid. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower intensity than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Any positive screening outcome is verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are cleaned before confirmation, as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Babylon, NY excels over traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. While urine tests only detect recent use, typically within a few days, a hair test can identify drug use over a 90-day span. This makes hair testing a more reliable choice for employers and officials who demand thorough substance use history, reducing chances of false negatives commonly associated with urine tests.
In Babylon, NY, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history over the past 90 days. Unlike other methods, this test gives employers valuable insights into prolonged usage patterns rather than just recent use. This broad detection period is crucial for understanding a person's substance habits in detail.
Hair follicle testing in Babylon, NY is exceptionally tamper-resistant, significantly lowering the risk of sample manipulation. Unlike other methods, the collection process doesn't allow for substitution or adulteration, ensuring test integrity. The test's design makes it virtually impossible to alter results, providing reliable, incontrovertible evidence of an individual's drug use.
With testing centers nationwide and in Babylon, NY, our hair follicle testing services offer unmatched convenience. We make it simple for individuals and companies to access testing facilities quickly and efficiently. Our broad network ensures that testing is as hassle-free as possible, saving time and effort for everyone involved.
The hair follicle testing process in Babylon, NY is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, each step is structured for ease and privacy. Clients can be confident in the security of their information while enjoying a straightforward testing experience that alleviates concerns over confidentiality.
In Babylon, NY, our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable rates without sacrificing quick and accurate results. This combination of cost-effectiveness and efficiency provides excellent value, ensuring peace of mind and satisfaction.
In Babylon, NY, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike other methods, hair testing provides remarkably precise data on substance use. The advanced techniques employed ensure that results are not only reliable but are also delivered swiftly, ensuring minimal waiting times and maximum efficiency for those needing quick answers.
Employers in Babylon, NY find hair follicle testing an essential part of ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method enhances peace of mind by minimizing legal risks associated with drug use, promoting a safer work environment. Utilizing hair tests supports company policies effectively, protecting both the employees and the organization.
