Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Acknowledged as an effective mechanism for identifying alcohol and drug consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by capturing chemical indicators within the filaments of developing hair. By collecting specimens near the scalp, hair testing can deliver insights into alcohol and drug use spanning up to about three months. This method is noted for its ease of collection, resistance to tampering, and straightforward transport.
An ideal test sample comprises a 1.5-inch section involving about 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), gathered close to the scalp to produce 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation processes. For advanced tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised, measured using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all alternative hair forms (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory system, including the verification of secure sample sealing and shipment, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any absent data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening constitutes the preliminary, swift assessment for substance misuse. While a cost-efficient method for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screening outcome necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples marked as potentially positive in Screening mandate additional confirmation steps.
For samples identified as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), resulting in hair drug testing being the most intricate method to execute.
Any positive screening findings undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All samples with a presumptive positive status are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory examination from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in light of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Footnote: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," these scrutinize the hair itself, not the follicle from below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Burke, NY
In the realm of drug testing, hair follicle testing offers noteworthy advantages over traditional urine tests. Not only does it have a longer detection window, but it also ensures higher accuracy and reliability. Hair testing minimizes the chance for individuals to temper with results while providing comprehensive insights into substance use, making it a preferred choice in Burke, NY.
Extended Detection Window in Burke, NY
Hair follicle testing is remarkable for its extended detection period, capturing drug use records up to 90 days. This attribute offers employers in Burke, NY, detailed insights into an individual's substance usage over a longer timeframe. Such comprehensive oversight aids in making informed decisions regarding employee or applicant suitability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Burke, NY
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering, providing results that are reliable and beyond dispute. While other testing methods may allow for sample adulteration, hair tests assure authentic and intact samples, offering peace of mind to employers in Burke, NY seeking trustworthy test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Burke, NY
The ease of access to testing centers significantly enhances the testing experience. With locations throughout the nation and in Burke, NY, individuals seeking drug testing services benefit from quick and convenient access, minimizing delays and logistical challenges for a hassle-free testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Burke, NY
Ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test is straightforward and discreet, ensuring personal and private results. In Burke, NY, participants can trust that their privacy is prioritized throughout the process, from sample collection to result delivery, making the testing experience seamlessly confidential.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burke, NY
Hair follicle testing in Burke, NY, is not only competitively priced but also boasts rapid turnaround times. Companies, regardless of size, can appreciate the value and efficiency of these services, securing reliable results without the stress of high costs or long waiting periods.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Burke, NY
Hair follicle drug tests offer superior accuracy when it comes to identifying substance use, prevailing over other testing methodologies. In Burke, NY, these tests are recognized for their ability to provide quick and precise results, effectively detecting even low levels of substance use, ensuring that individuals get the most reliable outcome possible.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burke, NY
In Burke, NY, hair follicle testing bolsters workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. Through this method, employers can reduce legal risks and enhance the security of their work environment, knowing that they are using an effective and diligent testing approach to maintain policy adherence and employee safety.
