Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the hair strand, by capturing biomarkers, offer a prolonged history of substance use. If collected near the roots, hair may reveal drug or alcohol use for up to about 90 days. Its collection is straightforward, it is relatively resistant to tampering, and it is easy to transport.
For effective screening, a sample of 1.5 inches, about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, is needed to provide 100mg of hair. This is the optimal sample for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or those beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, and "body hair" denotes other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial detection of drugs or misuse. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive results require verification to be valid in legal proceedings. Any sample suggesting a positive result in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most demanding techniques.
Confirmation of any positive Screening findings is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples indicating a presumptive positive are cleansed as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bay Wood, NY
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests, the differences in detection accuracy and reliability are clear. Hair tests provide an extended detection window, up to 90 days, making them a superior choice for those seeking comprehensive substance use history. This enhanced accuracy fosters trust and security for regulatory bodies and organizations.
Extended Detection Window in Bay Wood, NY
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing is its long detection period of up to 90 days, offering employers a detailed overview of an individual's drug consumption history. By providing a broader insight into past behavior, these tests assist businesses in making informed hiring decisions and maintaining safe workplace environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bay Wood, NY
Hair follicle testing is notably resistant to tampering, an issue that can plague other testing methods. The collection process is supervised, ensuring the integrity of the sample, and eliminating possibilities of adulteration. This reliability supports a trustworthy assessment of an individual's substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bay Wood, NY
Accredited Drug Testing offers widespread accessibility with numerous centers throughout the nation, including Bay Wood, NY. This network ensures that individuals can easily access testing services, making it convenient and hassle-free to meet drug testing needs quickly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bay Wood, NY
Our drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering a test to taking it and receiving results, each step maintains confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring a smooth experience for all clients, whether individuals or companies.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bay Wood, NY
Offering competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times, our hair follicle drug testing services provide outstanding value. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions, which deliver peace of mind without straining budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bay Wood, NY
Hair follicle drug testing is known for its precision in detecting substance use. The process is swift, ensuring that test results are available quickly, which helps individuals and employers make timely decisions. Moreover, the unparalleled accuracy of hair tests helps identify drug use traces even long after other testing methods would fall short.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bay Wood, NY
Employers who implement hair follicle drug testing benefit from assured regulatory compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method aids in reducing potential legal risks, enhancing safety, and ensuring a sound, productive work environment that prioritizes the well-being of all employees.
