Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective technique for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. The fibers of a growing hair strand encase biomarkers, offering extended-term records of alcohol and drug consumption. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG evaluations, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be acquired. Reference to head hair pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps entailed in the laboratory assessment of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the foundational processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This involves authenticating the sample's proper seal and shipment, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entries not furnished by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to negate drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome requires Confirmation for court acceptance. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. At this juncture, drugs are separated from hair at significantly diminished concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis a highly complex task.
Positive screening confirmations occur via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Balmville, NY
In Balmville, hair testing offers superior detection abilities compared to urine tests. Hair follicles capture drug traces over an extended period, providing a clearer substance history. Consequently, hair tests boast better detection accuracy and reliability than traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Balmville, NY
Hair follicle testing in Balmville is advantageous due to its prolonged detection window, lasting up to 90 days. This allows employers a comprehensive insight into the substance habits of employees or applicants, going beyond the limitations of urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Balmville, NY
The hair follicle testing method drastically reduces the risk of tampering. It ensures reliable and unquestionable results, as samples are observed during collection, limiting the opportunity for adulteration and increasing test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Balmville, NY
Testing is easily accessible with our numerous nationwide centers, including local sites in Balmville. This ensures hassle-free and timely testing services, accommodating the needs of individuals and businesses everywhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Balmville, NY
Our testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering to testing, through to receiving results, every step prioritizes confidentiality and ease of use, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Balmville, NY
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Balmville, making hair follicle testing accessible for companies of all sizes. Our cost-effective structure provides excellent value and assurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Balmville, NY
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise outcomes. They provide high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring dependable and prompt results. This method significantly reduces wait times, allowing quick decision-making for employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Balmville, NY
Using hair follicle testing helps employers in Balmville maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal risks and bolsters safety, offering peace of mind that company standards are upheld.
