Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances via biomarkers embedded in the hair fibers as they develop. A hair sample collected near the scalp can reveal up to a 3-month history of drug and alcohol use. It's straightforward to gather, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The processing of drug test samples in a lab involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where the sample enters the lab system. This phase includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that an electronic chain of custody doesn't cover.
Screening comprises an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for majority samples to eliminate drug use, any positive findings in this stage must be verified for court validity. Samples that return positive in the screening require secondary confirmation.
For samples testing positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for further processing. Drugs are isolated from hair at markedly lower levels compared to other methods like urine or saliva, which underscores the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Confirmations are preceded by washing any presumptive positive samples as necessary. The entire process is conducted in compliance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though the term "hair follicle tests" is often used, the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Bergen, NY, several advantages become apparent. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicles provide a longer drug detection period, enhancing the ability to monitor ongoing substance use and offering a more detailed insight into an individual's drug history.
In Bergen, NY, hair follicle testing is renowned for its extended detection window, uncovering drug use up to 90 days prior. This prolonged detection period offers employers a comprehensive understanding of a candidate’s or employee’s substance history, thus supporting informed decision-making in the workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Bergen, NY, are highly tamper-resistant, drastically minimizing risks linked with sample adulteration. This robust testing process ensures reliability and authenticity of results, offering peace of mind and confidence in drug testing outcomes.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including Bergen, NY, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free. Our extensive network makes it easy for individuals and businesses to secure timely and efficient testing services without geographic constraints.
The process for hair follicle testing in Bergen, NY is simple and confidential. From ordering to collecting samples and receiving results, confidentiality and ease are prioritized, alleviating privacy concerns and simplifying user experiences.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Bergen, NY, our hair follicle testing services ensure excellent value. Competitive pricing and swift results cater to companies of varying sizes, providing them with economical and effective drug testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug testing in Bergen, NY, ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method excels in precision, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use. As a leading testing option, it stands out in both speed and reliability, ensuring that results reflect true substance usage patterns, making it a preferred choice for many.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Bergen, NY enables employers to uphold compliance and peace of mind. This method supports drug-free workplace protocols, minimizing legal exposure and augmenting workplace safety, thus fostering a conducive and secure working environment.
