Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers in the strands. When taken near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month detection period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is not accessible, the equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, only scalp hair is considered. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial integration into a laboratory’s framework. This process verifies correct sample sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any further data entry beyond what an electronic chain of custody system offers.
Screening constitutes a rapid assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive screening must be validated for legal acceptance. Any screening-positive samples require additional confirmation.
For samples deemed positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presuming positivity are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine testing in Copiague, NY? Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests may be effective shortly after substance use, hair tests have a more extended detection window, allowing past drug use to be tracked over a longer period.
The benefits of hair testing are clear, with its ability to detect drug use that might otherwise be missed by urine tests. Employers and authorities can rely on the superior tracking capabilities of hair analysis to make more informed decisions regarding substance use in both employees and individuals under supervision.
Hair follicle testing in Copiague, NY, provides an extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers wanting a comprehensive picture of an individual's drug history. The extended window allows for the detection of both recent and past substance use with high accuracy.
Compared to other methods, hair testing offers a more holistic overview of an applicant or employee's substance usage. This helps employers make informed hiring or disciplinary decisions, supporting drug-free policy enforcement and maintaining a safe work environment.
In Copiague, NY, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant testing method, significantly reducing the risk of sample tampering or adulteration. This reliability makes hair tests the preferred choice for ensuring the integrity of drug screening results.
The advantage of utilizing hair tests is the inherent difficulty in altering samples, ensuring that the results remain unquestionably authentic. This aspect is crucial for employers and legal entities who need to trust the validity of their drug screening processes and outcomes.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including local facilities in Copiague, NY, accessing hair follicle tests is quick and hassle-free. This extensive network ensures that testing is accessible and convenient for businesses and individuals, promoting smooth drug testing experiences.
The nationwide presence of testing centers eliminates waiting times and locations challenges, offering a streamlined process. Stakeholders can rely on the widespread availability of testing centers to fulfill their drug testing requirements without complications.
In Copiague, NY, the process of ordering and taking a hair follicle drug test is simple and confidential. Clients can easily book tests while ensuring their privacy concerns are addressed, making the experience user-friendly and secure.
The confidential nature of hair testing ensures that results are delivered discreetly, without compromising the privacy of individuals being tested. This aspect helps to build trust in the testing process and maintains the dignity of those being examined.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Copiague, NY. These competitive pricing structures make drug testing accessible to companies of all sizes, without sacrificing quality.
With our services, you get fast results, ensuring quick decisions and maintaining productivity. Businesses benefit from cost-effective solutions that also provide excellent value, peace of mind, and the reliable results they need.
In Copiague, NY, hair follicle drug tests are known for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests provide unmatched precision and speed, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use effectively. The efficiency of hair follicle testing assures prompt results that help in making informed decisions swiftly.
By using hair follicle tests, individuals and organizations in Copiague benefit from a testing method that guarantees high accuracy. This ensures any substance use is accurately identified, avoiding false negatives that may occur in other testing methods. Hair tests thus strengthen the reliability of drug screening processes.
For employers in Copiague, NY, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing peace of mind. By implementing hair testing, employers can effectively reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety, creating a more secure and compliant work environment.
Using hair follicle tests not only aligns with compliance requirements but also contributes to a culture of trust and responsibility. Employers can rest assured knowing they are making informed decisions on employee substance use.
