Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for assessment and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This procedure includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a quick preliminary analysis for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical tool for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than with other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging techniques to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tested as presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp
In Bethlehem, NY, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in identifying substance use accurately. Unlike urine tests that detect recent consumption, hair tests excel at revealing patterns over extended periods, making them ideal for assessing long-term behavior. Employers favor these tests due to their comprehensive detection capabilities and reliability.
The enhanced detection window offered by hair follicle tests sets them apart. As employers increasingly prioritize drug-free policies, the robust accuracy of hair testing provides a critical tool to verify compliance, understanding employee behavior beyond short-term consumption.
In the distinctive locale of Bethlehem, NY, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window that can reach up to 90 days back in time. Employers receive a broad insight into the substance habits of employees or applicants, crucial for making informed decisions. Unlike standard testing methods, hair testing elucidates long-term usage patterns, ensuring thorough background checks for reliable recruitment.
This elongated timeframe of hair testing far exceeds other tests, establishing itself as the preferred choice for companies assessing substance use history. The advantage it offers is unparalleled, reaching a depth unmatched by immediate tests like urine screens.
Bethlehem, NY turns to hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant attributes, significantly lowering the risks of sample manipulation. Ensuring reliable and authentic results, hair testing addresses common concerns of sample adulteration in drug testing, providing employers peace of mind.
Unlike swab or urine tests, hair samples cannot easily be altered. This attribute of hair testing sets a new bar for authenticity assurance, making it the first choice for organizations keen on precise and unaltered results, thus instituting a foolproof mechanism for substance testing.
Our strategic reach in Bethlehem, NY is facilitated by convenient nationwide testing centers, simplifying the testing process significantly. Regardless of your location, the easy access to local facilities assures a hassle-free experience for employees and applicants seeking hair follicle testing.
This nationwide network makes secure testing services readily approachable, accommodating geographical diversity while ensuring prompt service delivery, catering to the needs of both small businesses and large corporations keen on maintaining comprehensive testing protocols.
In Bethlehem, NY, hair follicle testing is recognized for its simple and confidential process. Ordering and receiving results are designed with user convenience in mind, addressing privacy concerns. Clients can confidently engage in the testing process knowing their information remains secure, underpinning ease and trust.
The transparency and simplicity instilled in the testing process affirm its efficacy. Employers and individuals cherish the confidentiality and user-friendly nature that minimizes delays and complexity, ensuring satisfaction and reliability with each test conducted.
In Bethlehem, NY, our competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing both affordable and efficient. This provides exceptional value, easing the drug testing burden for businesses of various sizes. Companies are afforded peace of mind with reliable results delivered swiftly.
Balancing cost-effectiveness with speed, our services ensure that organizations do not have to compromise between quality and affordability. Outcomes are guaranteed to be quickly actionable, safeguarding both time and budget for discerning businesses.
In Bethlehem, NY, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests are renowned for their fast and accurate results, swiftly detecting substance use, which is paramount for employers and individuals alike. The efficiency of hair follicle testing ensures that you are provided with reliable data about substance usage in record time.
Combining rapid processing with high fidelity, hair follicle tests guarantee superior detection. Unlike longer waits with other testing methods, the immediacy of hair testing results allows for timely decision-making and enhanced assurance in the results procured.
In Bethlehem, NY, compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing enhances both safety and legal assurance. By implementing comprehensive hair testing, employers can meet regulatory standards and foster a secure work environment. The detailed insight gathered from hair tests thwarts legal challenges and contributes to a peaceful workplace.
This method transcends simple testing by instilling a culture of safety and compliance. Through reliable assessments, employers benefit from reduced legal and administrative worries alongside an affirmed commitment to a drug-free workplace and enhanced employee safety.