Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Canajoharie, NY

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure of processing a drug test result entails four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the primary integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Despite being an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo further confirmation to stand in legal proceedings. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent verification.

For samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.

The Confirmation step for any presumptive positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Samples deemed presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if deemed essential. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can sense drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection period.
• High resistance to manipulation: Hair drug testing is hard to evade, lending to more precise outcomes.
• Captures historical patterns: It reveals drug use patterns over time, instead of only recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent usage: Drugs take about 5-7 days to be detectable in hair.
• Costly: Hair drug analyses are typically pricier than other testing approaches.
• Result variations: Variables like hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Canajoharie, NY

Hair follicle testing stands out as a superior choice compared to traditional urine tests for several reasons. Its high accuracy is backed by its ability to detect a broader spectrum of substances over an extended timeline, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of an individual’s drug use history. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are not easily compromised, ensuring that the results are both reliable and valid.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Canajoharie, NY

Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe enables employers to gather more detailed insights into potential or current employees' drug use histories. The ability to see beyond recent weeks provides an advantage in assessing candidate reliability and maintaining workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Canajoharie, NY

One of the standout features of hair follicle tests is their resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the chances of sample manipulation, making it an ideal choice for situations where reliability is paramount. With strict sample observation protocols, the integrity of the results is maintained, ensuring confidence in the findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing in Canajoharie, NY

Accredited Drug Testing makes it convenient to access hair follicle testing in Canajoharie, NY, with nationwide and local testing centers available. Our extensive network ensures that testing is both accessible and efficient, eliminating hassle and providing a swift process for those in need of these services.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Canajoharie, NY

The process of ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. Emphasizing ease of use and privacy, individuals can confidently proceed through each step, assured that their information is handled with the utmost discretion and efficiency.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround in Canajoharie, NY

Accredited Drug Testing offers competitively priced services with rapid result delivery, ensuring excellent value for companies of various scales. Our pricing model coupled with quick response times means employers can effectively manage costs while still benefiting from premium testing services that do not compromise on quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Canajoharie, NY

Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, offering highly accurate detection of substance use. The science behind these tests allows for quick turnaround times without sacrificing meticulousness, ensuring that employers and individuals receive definitive results in a timely manner, ultimately supporting informed decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Canajoharie, NY

Employing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. This method provides peace of mind as it aligns with stringent policy enforcement, fostering a secure environment for all employees while upholding company standards against substance misuse.

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