Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair encapsulate long-term substances, preserving biomarkers within their fibrous structure. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol intake over a period of up to approximately three months. Hair samples are easy to collect, fairly resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other hair types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most cases, any positive result must undergo confirmation to hold up in a legal setting. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening are subjected to further confirmation.
Any sample that tests presumptively positive in Screening undergoes further hair extraction from the initial batch in preparation for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair at much lower concentrations than in other forms such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as warranted. The comprehensive lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Chadwicks, NY, hair follicle testing excels over urine tests, providing clear advantages in substance detection. Its superior accuracy and reliability make it a preferred method among employers and professionals, offering a robust solution to drug testing needs.
Hair follicle testing in Chadwicks, NY offers an extended detection window, capturing substance use history over up to 90 days. This broad timeframe provides employers with a more comprehensive understanding of potential and current employees' use history compared to shorter spans of traditional tests.
In Chadwicks, NY, hair follicle tests stand out due to their tamper-resistant nature, which considerably minimizes the risk of sample manipulation. This ensures the results remain dependable and unquestionable, offering peace of mind to both employers and clients.
Chadwicks, NY enjoys easy access to hair follicle testing facilities, thanks to our broad network of nationwide centers. This convenience ensures a quick, seamless, and stress-free testing experience, simplifying the procedure for individuals and organizations alike.
The process for hair follicle testing in Chadwicks, NY is both simple and confidential, from ordering to obtaining results. Privacy and ease of use are top priorities, making the process straightforward and reassuring for everyone involved, addressing any potential concerns regarding confidentiality.
Chadwicks, NY benefits from our competitively priced hair follicle testing, known for its fast turnaround. This affordability ensures excellent value for companies regardless of size, balancing cost-effectiveness with the need for quick results and peace of mind.
Chadwicks, NY benefits from hair follicle drug tests due to their rapidity and precision in substance detection. The high accuracy rates make it an attractive option for those requiring quick and reliable results. Fast and reliable outcomes ensure that decisions can be made confidently, enhancing workplace integrity and safety standards.
Employers in Chadwicks, NY find great value in hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only decreases legal hurdles but also bolsters company safety, providing peace of mind and a secure environment for everyone involved.
