Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers in the growing hair strand encapsulate biomarkers that indicate long-term drug and alcohol history. Hair collected near the scalp offers a detection window of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen’s weight is suggested. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other categories such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four crucial stages within the lab processing of a drug test result, namely Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample undergoes its preliminary integration into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes necessary data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation to hold in court. Samples that display a presumptively positive result in Screening need subsequent verification.
Should a sample show a presumptively positive outcome during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any screening results that are positive is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that preliminarily test positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab workflow from Accessioning through to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this test assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Cortlandt, NY
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect more recent substance use, hair tests unveil a longer history, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use, a critical factor for employers and legal entities.
Extended Detection Window in Cortlandt, NY
Hair follicle analysis portrays a broader scope of an individual's substance use, with a window extending up to 90 days. This period offers employers a comprehensive understanding of their applicant or employee's past habits. Such extended reach isn't possible with urine tests, which only cover a short span, highlighting the thoroughness of hair testing.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle drug tests in Cortlandt, NY, significantly curb the chance of sample manipulation. Unlike other testing forms, the hair method provides reliable and incontestable results. This feature assures employers and regulatory bodies of the test's integrity, crucial for maintaining stringent drug-free policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Presence in Cortlandt, NY
Our expansive network of testing centers guarantees convenient access to hair testing services. In Cortlandt, NY, residents benefit from quick, easy, and hassle-free testing experiences, simplifying the process for individuals needing reliable drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cortlandt, NY
The process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering and collection to result delivery, each step prioritizes the privacy and ease-of-use for the client. Such streamlined procedures address privacy concerns, offering assurance to all users involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cortlandt, NY
Our competitive pricing structure coupled with rapid result processing ensures that organizations receive excellent value for their investment. Companies of all sizes in Cortlandt, NY, can enjoy peace of mind knowing they are receiving top-tier testing services without excessive expenditure or delays.
In Cortlandt, NY, hair follicle drug tests are known for their rapid and trustworthy results. Precision is a hallmark of this testing method, ensuring substance use is detected with unmatched accuracy. Unlike other testing procedures, the hair drug test diminishes the risk of error, providing peace of mind for both individuals and employers who rely on its definitive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cortlandt, NY
Implementing hair follicle tests assures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, allowing employers in Cortlandt to mitigate legal risks. This approach enhances workplace safety and provides peace of mind, acting as a deterrent against drug use while ensuring strict compliance with established guidelines.
